Wetskills SA-Cape Town 2026 – Day 2 –
Day two of the Wetskills Challenge took participants into the field to experience how science, engineering and nature work together to address real-world water challenges. Visits to the University of Cape Town (UCT) Water Hub in Franschhoek and the Berg River Dam demonstrated the importance of innovation, healthy catchments and resilient infrastructure in securing Cape Town’s water future.
Our first stop was the UCT Water Hub, a former wastewater treatment works that has been transformed into a 3.2-hectare living laboratory. Managed by UCT’s Future Water Institute, the site brings together researchers, students, government and local communities to develop nature-based solutions that improve water quality while restoring degraded environments.
The Water Hub showcased how wastewater can be transformed into a valuable resource. Contaminated stream water is treated through biofiltration systems using natural materials such as stone, biochar and sand, producing water suitable for irrigation while reducing reliance on energy-intensive treatment processes. The site also demonstrated circular economy principles, with treated water supporting vegetable gardens and research exploring biochar and duckweed to improve soil health and water retention.
Another standout innovation was the Cool Shack project, where researchers have used treated biosludge, recycled plastic bottles, biochar insulation and improved ventilation to create a shack that remains significantly cooler than conventional structures, this is beneficial to those who suffer from epilepsy and other chronic illnesses. The project illustrates how water research can extend beyond water management to improve climate resilience, public health and quality of life.
The day concluded with a visit to the Berg River Dam, one of Cape Town’s major water supply dams. This dam became a crucial source during Cape Town Drought which led to Day Zero. The dam is situated within the Franschhoek mountains, in a catchment surrounded by pristine natural landscapes. The visit reinforced an important lesson: safeguarding our water resources begins long before treatment plants and pipelines. Healthy ecosystems, well-managed catchments and resilient infrastructure remain the foundation of water security, as clearly demonstrated during Cape Town’s Day Zero crisis.
Day two demonstrated that solving today’s water challenges requires innovation, collaboration and a willingness to see value in what is often considered waste. The UCT Water Hub is a powerful example of how science, nature and communities can work together to create sustainable solutions for both people and the environment.
Blog by: Bongiwe Seleka and Dirk Beukers
