Every two years, the water sector, in all its variations, gathers under one roof for the WISA conference to share ideas, knowledge, technology, innovation and passion. In 2026, the event took place in Cape Town, a fitting setting for the theme: Rethink Amanzi- Securing our Future, as years before, the City of Cape Town had to do just that to move past its Day Zero.

As always, the conference was divided into subthemes; this iteration played host to eight dedicated tracts:

1. Rethink Capacity: Refocusing Efforts to Empower People
2. Rethink Infrastructure: Reimagining Water Infrastructure for a Resilient Future
3. Funding the Flow: Innovative Finance & Partnerships for Water Services
4. Rethink Efficiency: Driving Water Efficiency & Effectiveness Across Sectors
5. Smart Water Futures: Leveraging Digital Tools and the 4IR Revolution
6. Climate-Resilient Water Futures: Water Security in a Changing Climate
7. Rethinking Governance: Strengthening Institutions, Regulation & Accountability
8. Water for Life: Managing Water Quality & Quantity Across Catchments

Highlights include the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina’s opening remarks, alongside the six keynotes:

1. Refilwe Buthelezi from the Federation of African Engineering Organisations
2. Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata of the International Water Management Institute
3. Bothwell Manikai from the Development Bank of Southern Africa,
4. Leonardo Manus from the City of Cape Town
5. Wandile Sihlobo of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa.

The conference was packed with technical tours, presentations, exhibitors, industry leaders, researchers, technical experts and emerging water professionals, all tackling the water sector’s most pressing questions.

WISA 2026 in numbers

There were 97 exhibitors, 66 from South Africa and 31 international representing a total of 7 countries: South Africa, China, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the United States of America, and Canada. There were 12 parallel streams, with 150 presentations over the three days.

Pre-conference registration totaled 2118, with a 92% check in, with 1959 delegates attending the conference.

The WISA Gala dinner

The fully booked gala dinner was a smash hit, the perfect setting to gather with peers and celebrate the industry. WISA also handed out several awards.

Aqua Vita Est Award for participation structures

The Process Controllers Division received the Aqua Vita Est Award for Participation Structures, recognising its active contribution, engagement and commitment to advancing WISA’s work. Dewald van Staden accepted the award on behalf of the division.

Senior Fellow Award

Mr Dan Naidoo was presented with the prestigious Senior Fellow Award in recognition of his distinguished service, leadership and significant contribution to WISA and the broader water sector. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.

Celebrating excellence in student research

WISA 2026 celebrated the outstanding contributions of emerging water-sector researchers through its Student Awards. Congratulations to Mphokuhle Aaron Dube, who received the Best Oral Presentation award, followed by Nizordinah Sithole in second place and Nomathamsanqa Francisca Manyisa in third. Sizakele Ndlovu received the award for Best Poster Presentation. These achievements reflect the knowledge, dedication and fresh thinking of the next generation of water professionals.

Passing the baton to Johannesburg

As WISA 2026 drew to a close, Cape Town officially passed the baton to Johannesburg, host city for the WISA 2028 Biennial Conference & Exhibition. WISA offers a heartfelt thank you to every delegate, speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, partner, volunteer and team member who contributed to the success of this year’s conference.