Water Research Commission

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is proud to serve as a knowledge partner at the Global South WASH Financing & Sustainability Conference, currently underway in Nepal. While WRC representatives are participating virtually, the discussions remain focused on driving system‑wide change across the Global South.

During the opening plenary, Bethlehem Mengistu, Executive Director of WASH Agenda for Change (Ethiopia), highlighted the need to rethink WASH financing by strengthening national systems, improving coordination, and ensuring available resources translate into sustainable, long‑term services.

Building on this, the WRC CEO, Dr Jennifer Molwanta unpacked South Africa’s sanitation realities, noting that service delivery challenges go beyond faecal sludge management. Through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the WRC is advancing water‑efficient, financially viable sanitation solutions including exploring the potential of a sludge economy.

What’s next:

The WRC CEO will deliver a pre‑recorded keynote on innovative WESS financing mechanisms tomorrow at ±05:15 (SA time).

Jay Bhagwan will participate in a pre‑recorded panel session on 3 April at ±05:35 (SA time).

Achieving dignified sanitation for all requires a holistic, systems‑driven approach and collaboration across borders and sectors remains key.

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is proud to serve as a knowledge partner at the Global South WASH Financing & Sustainability Conference, currently underway in Nepal. While WRC representatives are participating virtually, the discussions remain focused on driving system‑wide change across the Global South.

During the opening plenary, Bethlehem Mengistu, Executive Director of WASH Agenda for Change (Ethiopia), highlighted the need to rethink WASH financing by strengthening national systems, improving coordination, and ensuring available resources translate into sustainable, long‑term services.

Building on this, the WRC CEO, Dr Jennifer Molwanta unpacked South Africa’s sanitation realities, noting that service delivery challenges go beyond faecal sludge management. Through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the WRC is advancing water‑efficient, financially viable sanitation solutions including exploring the potential of a sludge economy.

What’s next:

The WRC CEO will deliver a pre‑recorded keynote on innovative WESS financing mechanisms tomorrow at ±05:15 (SA time).
Jay Bhagwan will participate in a pre‑recorded panel session on 3 April at ±05:35 (SA time).

Achieving dignified sanitation for all requires a holistic, systems‑driven approach and collaboration across borders and sectors remains key.

Strengthening municipal water management.

Join us in Moorreesburg on 17 April 2026 for the WRC‑IMESA training.

Following the successful launch of the National Water Resources Accounting System (NRWA) for South Africa, speakers engaged the media in a live session hosted by the Press Club.

The engagement provided an opportunity to unpack the significance of the NRWA and its role in strengthening how South Africa understands, manages, and sustains its water resources. This milestone initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Water and Sanitation, Statistics South Africa, the Water Research Commission, and the research team from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Building on the baseline hydrology (WR2012), the NRWA introduces an enhanced, data-driven framework that enables improved tracking of water availability, usage, and sustainability across sectors supporting informed decision-making for a more water-secure future.

SouthAfrica DWS StatsSA UKZN WaterGovernance

This , we recognise the vital link between water and gender equality. When communities have access to safe, reliable water, women and girls gain time, dignity, and opportunity.

At the Water Research Commission, we continue to champion inclusive solutions that ensure no one is left behind.

Where water flows, equality grows.

WaterResearchCommission Equality SustainableDevelopment LeaveNoOneBehind

Call for innovators! 📢

Do you have a tried and tested water efficient sanitation technology? Here is an opportunity for you to showcase your Water Efficient Sanitation Systems (WESS).

Launch : National Water Resources Accounting System for South Africa 23 March 2026 Analysis of the status, quality, and quantity of South Africa’s water resources

NRWA-SA 2026 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: NWRA-SA 2026
Time: Mar 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Johannesburg
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91274317628?pwd=qbo9aYm4sXFSM4lc4kEpdTFQSxOGMy.1

Meeting ID: 912 7431 7628
Passcode: 931926

3 DAYS TO GO Launch National Water Resources Accounting System for South Africa 23 March 2026

Building on the Water Resources 2012 baseline NRWA-SA 2026 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: NWRA-SA 2026
Time: Mar 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM Johannesburg

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91274317628?pwd=qbo9aYm4sXFSM4lc4kEpdTFQSxOGMy.1

Meeting ID: 912 7431 7628
Passcode: 931926

Water for All.

Everyone deserves access to safe, reliable, and sustainably managed water resources.

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) hosted the 2026 Aqualibrium Competition at the Delta environmental centre, where high school students from the city competed in building water engineering structures. The event aims to nurture engineering talent, inspire young minds, and highlight the pressing issue of equitable water distribution in South Africa.

In a keynote address, Dr Mamohloding Maahlo spoke about the WRC’s role, innovative solutions, and opportunities for youth in the WASH sector, encouraging students to aim high.

The top three schools were:
1. Saint Francis WRC Water Wise Winners
2. Parktown Boys High
3. Curro Midrand