Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026

Name: Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026
Start: 2026-07-12T00:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-07-24T23:59:59+02:00
Location: University of Cape Town

July 12 - July 24

About The Event

Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026: Securing our water future

In 2026, Wetskills returns to South Africa, for the 12th time, for an inspiring new edition in Cape Town, bringing together young professionals and students from across the globe to co-create innovative solutions for real-life water challenges. Set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most dynamic water landscapes, Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026 will focus on practical, forward-looking approaches to strengthen water security, resilience, and inclusive water management.

The Finals and Award Ceremony will take place during the WISA Conference, South Africa’s leading sector event for water professionals. This offers participants a unique opportunity to present their solutions to a high-level audience of water utilities, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, and to connect directly with decision-makers shaping the future of the water sector.

Are you a Young Professional or student with a passion for water and sustainability? Always wanted to work in a diverse team on water challenges in South(ern) Africa? The Wetskills Foundation extends a warm invitation to Bachelor, Master, PhD students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are enthusiastic about water, climate, and sustainability to apply for the Wetskills Challenge taking place in Cape Town. Seize this unique opportunity, come on board and apply now (use the link on the right).

Through intensive teamwork, mentorship, and collaboration with South African and international case owners, Wetskills-South Africa 2026 will once again demonstrate the power of young minds in shaping sustainable water solutions — this time, on the WISA stage in Cape Town.

Voices of Impact: South African Alumni Share Inspiring Insights on Wetskills Experience

Event info

Programme Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026 (draft)

Deadline for registrations: 15 May 2026

After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.

Terms & Conditions Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2026

Follow Wetskills

Joining this Wetskills Event – What do you get?

A unique learning experience where you will tackle real-life water challenges with your own team!

You will develop expertise in international cooperation, problem-solving, cross-cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
You will hone your networking and presentation abilities through pitch and poster
You will get the opportunity to connect with other international water students/young professionals.
You will immerse yourself in the vibrant Mother City: Cape Town, exploring water-related sites and engaging with local water professionals.
Join parts of the WISA conference programme and Gala dinner in Cape Town (incl. Wetskills Finals & Awarding Ceremony)
You will learn and deepen your understanding of the South African water sector, gaining insights into key stakeholders, organizations, contemporary issues, and existing business opportunities.
Upon program completion, receive a certificate of participation, officially joining the ranks of over 1200 Wetskills Alumni.

More information

For additional information please contact Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa, craig.tinashe@wetskills.com or Johan Oost, johan.oost@wetskills.com.

Registration

Registration deadline: 15 May 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.

Who can apply?
Any Young Water Professionals (up to 5 years of working experience) and Bachelor (last year), Master or PhD students and recent graduates with a passion for water and intercultural teamwork from South(ern) Africa and beyond with a passion for water & sustainability and intercultural teamwork.

How can I apply?
Prepare a motivation letter and resume, click the button on the right, fill out the online application form and submit it.

Selection criteria
The Wetskills Team will make a final selection among applications received, based on quality of motivation & resume. We also consider a good diversity of the whole group (incl. backgrounds, local/international, gender balance, etc.).

Costs
The participation fee for the Wetskills program is €495,- (excluding VAT, applicable only in Europe). This fee covers accommodation (in a hostel, with shared rooms), team-building activities, some, but not all, lunches and dinners, field trips, workshops, and working facilities. Participants are also responsible for their travel expenses (such as plane tickets and local transportation), meals on working days, and other personal costs.

The participation fee does not include the WISA registration fee and the Gala dinner, which is estimated to be €300-€350.

Wetskills has special agreements for local participants to join this Wetskills event free of charge: Water Research Commission and EWSETA. Also a selected amount of candidates will be supported by their employee like Department of Water and Sanitation.

Note: Wetskills Foundation and partners strive to lower costs for local participants, contact us for options. In previous Wetskills editions, participants have successfully secured financial support for their Wetskills participation from their universities or employers, utilizing resources like mobility funds, travel allowances, training budgets, etc.

Event Cases

Wetskills Foundation and partners invite businesses, governments, knowledge institutes and NGOs to formulate one of the Challenges – for this event or another event – and support the Wetskills programme. Join us in this great next experience! For more information contact Johan Oost (Wetskills Foundation) (johan.oost@wetskills.com) or Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa (craig.tinashe@wetskills.com)