Wetskills-SA (Gauteng) 2025 – Blog 4 –
Water is life. Education is empowerment. And dignity is fundamental. At Wetskills South Africa 2025, we witnessed firsthand how Rand Water’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programs are turning this belief into reality, one school and community at a time. Today we visited Rand Water Foundation’s projects in Johannesburg (Borehole installation at a school) and Randfontein (offgrid sanitation installation at Zenzele Informal Settlement).
A Morning of Discovery: Summerwood Primary School
Our day began at Summerwood Primary School, where the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Programme had made a tangible difference. A newly drilled and fully equipped borehole now provides a reliable water supply, directly addressing daily water scarcity for students and staff.
“This borehole doesn’t just give us water – it gives our children the chance to learn without interruption,” noted a teacher proudly.
The presence of clean, accessible water enables proper hygiene practices and supports uninterrupted education, a cornerstone for long-term community development.
Afternoon in the Zenzele Community: Water, Dignity, and Innovation
Next, we visited the Zenzele community, where Rand Water has installed low-flush water ablution systems. These innovative, water-wise units reduce water usage per flush and are a critical step towards eliminating the undignified bucket system.
Community members expressed pride and relief, underscoring the significance of these installations. It was clear that Rand Water’s CSI is not just about infrastructure, it’s about investing in health, dignity, and socio-economic empowerment.
“Innovative low-flush systems improve hygiene and restore dignity in the Zenzele community.”
Reflections: Water as a Catalyst for Change
From the classrooms of Summerwood to the homes of Zenzele, the day highlighted how access to water transforms lives. Through targeted interventions, Rand Water is not only addressing the immediate challenge of water scarcity but also fostering a future where health, education, and dignity are accessible to all.
Water is more than a resource, it’s a foundation for hope.
“Collaborating for sustainable water solutions and community empowerment.”
Conclusion: Wetskills South Africa 2025 was a vivid reminder that water initiatives can catalyze broader social impact. By integrating sustainable infrastructure with community engagement, education, and hygiene, Rand Water is creating a legacy of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
Blog by Buiswa Kheswa
