The Department of Water and Sanitation recently launched the Masters programme in Environmental Management with specialisation in Environmental Water Requirements.

The launch which was attended by academics from various universities was hosted by The Water Research Commission as the implementing agent.

The aim of this new course which is offered by the North West University is to provide training at a professional scientific level that requires candidates on nationally and internationally recognised expertise level, to achieve a holistic understanding of the processes, functions and components of the inland.

The course is also meant to provide wider understanding of the strategies that are utilised throughout the SADC region.

The requirement for entry into the course is an honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualifications in environmental sciences for cross-disciplinary studies. The applications for the 2017 academic year close on 20 October 2016.

Changing the water narrative

Director General for the Department of Water and Sanitation Margaret-Anne Diedricks, provided the keynote address and noted that “water is about reaching a balance. It is about balancing equity, development as well as striking the balance between social and economic development.”

Diedricks went on to mention that for the first time the United Nations has adopted the sustainable development goal for water where ten Heads of States form part of the Forum and South Africa is one of those States.

“As South Africans we underestimate what we have to offer, we need to think beyond what we have achieved and expand our horizon” she said.

“Water is a big challenge but it is also a golden opportunity and in order for us to see this opportunity, we need to make a difference in the water sector, change the current narrative of water and we should not lose sight of the of the principle of the learning organisation concluded Diedricks.