Safeguarding South Africa’s water future begins with people who are skilled, innovative and ready to lead. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) is at the forefront of this national effort, driving change through education, technology and skills development opportunities.

At the 2025 Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) National Awards, 477 participants, including learners, educators, coordinators and provincial representatives, were recognised across six national categories for their creativity, leadership and innovation in water education.

As part of its commitment to digital access and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) readiness, EWSETA awarded 26 tablets to winners across all categories. The initiative empowers learners and educators to stay connected, access digital learning and lead South Africa toward a sustainable water future.

“The future of South Africa’s water sustainability depends on the skills, innovation and determination of our learners. By nurturing this potential, we are securing the nation’s collective future,” said Candice Moodley, EWSETA Corporate Services Executive Manager.

The event, supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), and the Water Research Commission (WRC), was graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable David Mahlobo. Together with EWSETA, these partners are strengthening South Africa’s skills pipeline and building a digitally enabled generation of water leaders who will drive innovation, inclusion and sustainable water management across the country.

Building South Africa’s Water Skills Pipeline

EWSETA continues to strengthen South Africa’s water skills pipeline through the development of new, nationally aligned qualifications that respond directly to sector needs. These include the Water Use Specialist (NQF 7), Borehole Pump Operator (NQF 4), Water and Sanitation Project Facilitator (NQF 5), Water Control Officer (NQF 6), Water Resource Management Practitioner (NQF 8) and Water Conservation Practitioner (NQF 4).

These qualifications form part of EWSETA’s commitment to ensuring that training programmes remain relevant, practical and responsive to South Africa’s evolving water challenges from climate change to infrastructure management and sanitation innovation.

Driving Investment in a Sustainable Water Future

Over the past five years, EWSETA has invested more than R1.44 billion in the water sector, supporting over 18 000 learners through skills development programmes, bursaries and research initiatives. By empowering young South Africans with knowledge and digital capability, EWSETA is developing a generation of water professionals who will shape a sustainable and inclusive sector for the future.