Wetskills-South Africa (Durban) 2026
November 14 - November 26
Wetskills-South Africa (Durban) 2026: Join us for the AWSISA Conference!
Wetskills is returning to South Africa! From 14 to 27 November 2026, students and young water professionals from South Africa, the SADC region and beyond will come together in Durban for an inspiring two-week programme focused on innovation, international cooperation and real-life water challenges.
Participants will work in multidisciplinary and international teams on challenging cases submitted by organisations from the water sector. Supported by experienced coaches and experts, the teams will develop innovative and practical solutions while strengthening their skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, pitching and intercultural collaboration.
The programme combines intensive teamwork with workshops, expert sessions, field visits, social activities and networking opportunities. Participants will discover Durban and learn more about the opportunities and challenges within the South African water sector.
The Finals and Award Ceremony will take place during the 2nd AWSISA Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue, bringing. many South African, African and global water professionals together. 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.
South Africa has a strong and growing Wetskills community, with more than 300 alumni. Wetskills-South Africa (Durban) 2026 will build on this network and create new connections between young talent, experienced professionals and organisations from South Africa and abroad.
Call for participants
Are you a student, recent graduate or young professional with a passion for water, sustainability and innovation? Do you want to challenge yourself, expand your international network and work on a real-life water challenge? Do you want to experience the vibrant city of Ethekwini (Durban)? Join Wetskills-Durban 2026 and become part of the global Wetskills community!
Event info
Registration deadline: 25 September 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.
Follow Wetskills
Watch the movie of last year’s Wetskills during the AWSISA Conference
South African Alumni Share Inspiring Insights on Wetskills Experience
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 city of Ethekwini (Durban), exploring water-related sites and engaging with local water professionals.
- Join parts of the AWSISA conference programme and Gala dinner in Durban (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: 25 September 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 AWSISA registration fee, which is estimated to be €250.
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)
Case 1:
Case owner: Water Research Commission
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Case 2:
Case owner: Department of Water and Sanitation
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Case 3:
Case owner: Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Case 4:
Case owner: EWSETA
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Case 5:
Case owner:
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Case 6:
Case owner:
The case abstract will be published at a later stage.
Event Partners
Events in Durban (2023) and Cape Town (2018 & 2023)