sThe African water sector faces major challenges and cannot afford to ignore them. Climate change, aging infrastructure and increasing demand are putting a lot of pressure on water resources. But fixing the issue is not just about upgrading your infrastructure, but having the right skills to manage, maintain and innovate your sector.
Where is that Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Bureau (Ewseta) We are focused on ensuring that South Africa has a skilled workforce to tackle these issues in a sustainable way. Through training programs, industry partnerships and regulatory integrity, we work to bridge the skills gap and build a future where water security is given to us rather than luxury.
Why skills are important in the water sector
South Africa has no endless water, and National Water and Sanitation Master Plan By 2030, it warns that if no immediate action is taken, a 17% water shortage can be considered. But this is not just about the water itself, but about the people who manage it. Without skilled experts overseeing water conservation, distribution and technology, we will continue to look at the unnecessary waste and inefficiencies that put our country at risk.
Today, the country loses more than R7 billion of water each year due to leaks and infrastructure failures. Over 30% of local governments are struggling. Because they don't have well-trained water experts, and in many cases nearly 60% of South Africa's water is used in agriculture. Overall, 87% of the 2024 Blue Drop Test (182 out of 210) refer to urban drinking water that is safe for human consumption.
Technology offers new ways to tackle these issues, from AI-driven leak detection to smart water management systems, but these solutions won't work without someone who doesn't know how to implement them. The water sector not only needs more experts, but highly trained professionals with modern, technology-driven skills to ensure a sustainable future.
Regulation 3630: Roadmap for Water Security
Government challenges to address these challenges Regulation 3630 It sets out four key principles for sustainable water management, and Ewseta adjusts its skills program to match these priorities. It is important that training professionals in the efficient way to save and distribute water resources prevent further losses, ensure long-term access, and that these professionals maintain standards through annual professional development.
Technology and innovation are already transforming the sector, but without the right expertise, South Africa risks falling behind in adopting AI-driven solutions for leak detection and digital water monitoring. Finally, strong cooperation between governments, industry and educational institutions is essential to continuously develop capabilities within the current workforce and to develop a pipeline of future water professionals.
What does this mean for business?
For industries related to water and infrastructure, addressing skills gaps is essential, not just an idea. With trained professionals, businesses can significantly reduce operational costs, reduce water losses by up to 20%, and save billions. With the global industry adopting AI-driven water management, South African companies need to remain competitive by ensuring that their employees are prepared for these advances. Sustainability is also a high priority for businesses, and those focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments require teams that understand responsible water management and conservation.
Companies can take action by working with Ewseta to develop tailored training programs, providing students with internships, and working with researchers on new water-saving technologies. These initiatives don't just benefit your business. They ensure that South Africa remains at the forefront of water sustainability.
The role of universities and television universities
If you want to build a strong pipeline of skilled water experts, academia must play a bigger role. Currently, the focus is on digital water management in the curriculum, and many students do not have access to structured apprenticeships that provide a real-world experience. Research funding for localized water solutions is also lacking, preventing innovative ideas from reaching implementation.
Ewseta is tackling these issues through initiatives like The Pove Water Management Project Stellenbosch University updates its curriculum to reflect the needs of real-world industry. moreover, City Water Training Program With hands-on skills for TVET alumni, scholarships and apprenticeship programs open the door for young professionals, especially women interested in careers in water science, engineering and hygiene.
Universities and universities can strengthen this effort by working with Ewseta to develop new water-focused qualifications, providing apprenticeships and placement to students, and working with governments and industry on research projects that drive innovation in water management.
Governments and local governments: Building capacity for better service delivery
While local governments are at the forefront of water supply, many people lack the expertise and capabilities needed to get their systems running efficiently. Without a significant investment in skill development, South Africa risks a deeper water crisis. Ewseta ensures that training programs will be aligned as well as major government policies such as the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW & SMP), which requires 15,000 skilled water experts by 2030. Similarly, the National Development Plan (NDP 2030) prioritizes infrastructure development, while the Green Economy Strategy emphasizes the construction of sustainable waterway expertise.
The government can work with Ewseta to expand local government training programs, introduce policy incentives that encourage private sector investment in water skills, and fund research projects that improve service delivery. These measures ensure that South Africa has the necessary labor force to maintain and develop critical water infrastructure.
Call to Action: Let's build a waterway future together
Water security is not just a government issue, it is everyone's fault. The choices we make today regarding training and education will determine the future of South Africa's waters. Industry leaders need to invest in skill development and innovation. Universities and TVET colleges must work with EWSETA to create cutting-edge training programs, and governments must prioritize workforce training to improve service delivery.
National Water Month is more than just recognition, it's about action. Now is the time to invest in skills.
You can help secure the future of South Africa's waters!
Visit ewseta online at https://ewseta.org.za/
Featured images by F. Muhammad on Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/photos/water-pipe-plumbing-pipeline-2852047/
