The WISA Gauteng Branch, in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), hosted a Collaborate and Connect: Water Sector Career & Networking Day. The event brought together aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and academic leaders, showcasing what the future of the water sector could look like.

Opening the floor, Dr. Lester Goldman, CEO of WISA, encouraged attendees, “to approach your careers with more than ambition. You will need to lead by example and seek out wholehearted connections. Careers are built on more than just output, but on passion. The sector needs you. It needs your fresh ideas, character, questions, solutions, and ethical compass. Think of your career as a platform where your presence, not just your productivity, makes a difference.”

The water sector relies on the academic community for rigorous science, and Professor Vhangwele Masindi of UNISA provided reflections on the current state of South Africa’s water sector. Emphasising skills and ethics as a focal point for change.

The job market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to disrupt many industries, including water and Landry Mutombo from InspHired Recruitment Solutions says, “AI is a tool that can amplify your skills. The world is shifting, and embracing new technology and staying relevant is a matter of staying curious.” Speaking further on AI, Matumbo gave some practical examples of how AI is used in HR and how to best interact with it.

“Your CV is no longer just read by a person; it’s scanned by a system. Make sure it’s clear, structured, and speaks the language of the job you want. Don’t rely on templates alone, customise what AI gives you and ensure you are reflected in your CV,” he adds.

Joyce Muya, also from InspHired Recruitment Solutions, added to Matumbo’s speech by guiding early career professionals on the importance of crafting a CV that speaks to the skills and capabilities of the individual.

Zoe Norton, WISA Gauteng Branch Lead, added to the conversation by emphasising interpersonal skills and preparedness. She says, “Success isn’t just about having the qualifications, it’s about knowing how to communicate your value clearly.”

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Vice Principal of Research and Innovation at Unisa, extended the AI conversation, saying that if AI is becoming a necessary tool to navigate, then we can all benefit from upskilling ourselves in that department. She highlighted free courses from Microsoft and NetCampus, providing attendees with a direct and accessible starting point to begin their AI learning journey.

The event also encouraged those in attendance to speak to each other, as collaboration is a key tool in moving the water sector into the future.