24/07/2026
Shaping an Impact-Driven National Water and Sanitation RDI Agenda
The Water Research Commission (WRC) presented its Strategy and the National Water and Sanitation Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Agenda during the WISA 2026 Conference, bringing together leaders from government, academia, research institutions and the private sector to shape the future of South Africa’s water sector.
The session opened with insightful remarks from Prof. Stanley Liphadzi, Acting CEO of the WRC, who outlined the Commission’s institutional strategy and RDI vision, highlighting the importance of positioning research and innovation as catalysts for water security, sustainable development and economic growth.
Ms Ndundu Sithole, Acting Executive: Stakeholder & Communications presented the WRC’s key initiatives, strategic priorities and partnership opportunities, setting the scene for a robust and engaging panel discussion.
The distinguished panel, comprising Dr Moloko Matlala, Dr Ntsapokazi Deppa, Prof Bongani Ncube, Dr Annelie Swanepoel, Prof Randhir Ramlal, and Ms Ramona Reddy Maduray, shared valuable perspectives on the future of South Africa’s water research and innovation ecosystem. The discussion was expertly facilitated by Dr Mamohloding Maahlo and WRC Board Chairperson Dr Rethabile Melamu.
Several key messages emerged:
💧 Research must be intentional, demand-driven and focused on delivering measurable impact.
🤝 Co-creation and collaboration are essential. Researchers, policymakers, industry, funders and communities must work together from project inception through to implementation to ensure ownership and uptake.
📊 Data, digital transformation and knowledge sharing should become central pillars of the national RDI agenda, enabling better decision-making and innovation across the water sector.
🚰 Investment in demonstration projects, water resource verification and capacity development is critical to strengthening the sector and accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking insight was that while research can address approximately 20–30% of the challenges facing the water sector, the remaining 70% relate to governance, regulation, institutional capacity and implementation. This reinforces the need to complement impactful research with stronger partnerships, enabling policies and effective institutions.
The discussions reaffirmed that the future of water security depends not only on excellent research, but also on our collective ability to collaborate, innovate and translate knowledge into action.
