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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Wetskills Water Challenges
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260222
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260307
DTSTAMP:20260420T165433
CREATED:20251121T092523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T100142Z
UID:10000164-1771718400-1772841599@wetskills.com
SUMMARY:Wetskills-Eswatini 2026
DESCRIPTION:About The Event\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]The first 2026 Wetskills: for the first time in Eswatini!\nEswatini stands at a pivotal moment in its water future. Although the country benefits from strong river systems and vital shared basins\, communities and utilities increasingly face pressures from climate variability\, recurring droughts\, population growth\, aging infrastructure\, and rising demand for safe and reliable water services. Rural areas still struggle with access\, while urban centres face challenges linked to leaks\, non-revenue water\, and the need for more resilient\, adaptive water management. \nThis is the environment and moment for the first-ever Wetskills Eswatini from 22 February to 6 March 2026\, with participants working in mixed teams on real-life water cases. The program combines field visits\, teamwork\, cultural exchange\, and the exciting finals event in Mbabane. This Wetskills programme is in close cooperation with the Joint River Basin Authorities – Project Board in Eswatini and the Blue Deal (Eswatini) programme. Follow us in ths event\, and be part of shaping the water-smart future of Eswatini and the wider SADC! \nParticipants and Finals of Wetskills Eswatini 2026\n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”65296″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”65391″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Watch the compilation movie of this event!\n[vc_empty_space height=”8px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Event info\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””]Programme Wetskills-Eswatini 2026 (draft) \nTerms & Conditions Wetskills-ESwatini 2026 \nFollow Wetskills\nFacebookXInstagramLinkedInYouTube\nJoining this Wetskills Event – What do you get?\nA unique learning experience where you will tackle real-life water challenges with your team! \n\nYou will develop expertise in international cooperation\, problem-solving\, cross-cultural understanding\, and interdisciplinary teamwork.\nYou will hone your networking and presentation abilities through pitch and poster sessions\nYou will get the opportunity to connect with other international and regional water students/young professionals.\nYou will immerse yourself in the city of Mbabane exploring water-related sites in the city and rural areas and engaging with local water professionals.\nYou will learn and deepen your understanding of the water sector in Eswatini as part of the SADC region\, gaining insights into key stakeholders\, organisations\, contemporary issues\, and existing business opportunities.\nUpon program completion\, receive a certificate of participation\, officially joining the ranks of over 1550 Wetskills Alumni.\n\nMore information\nFor more information\, please contact Ntombikayise Dhladhla (ntombikayise.dhladhla@wetskills.com\, especially for Eswatini candidates)\, Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa (craig.tinashe@wetskills.com)\, or Johan Oost (johan.oost@wetskills.com). \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”65155\,65156\,65157\,65158″ css=”” column_number=”5″ grayscale=”no” hover_icon=”none” images_space=”gallery_with_space”]Event Blogs\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]	\n		\n						The Finals: From Ideas to ImpactBlogs\, News\, Wetskills-Eswatini 20262 months agoWetskills-Eswatini 2026 – Blog 9 – About ten days ago\, we were all strangers and we were learning each other’s names\, strangers with different backgrounds and from different countries. Quickly\,…		\n			\n	\n		\n						Eat\, sleep\, pitch\, poster\, repeatBlogs\, Wetskills-Eswatini 20262 months agoWetskills-Eswatini 2026 – Blog 8 – The past two days revolved around one clear theme: pitching and poster-making. On Tuesday\, the groups practiced their pitches for the first time in…		\n			\n	\n		\n						Feedback\, Relocation and Field visitsBlogs\, Wetskills-Eswatini 20262 months agoWetskills-Eswatini 2026 – Blog 7 – Saturday started with Innovation round where groups were temporarily restructured so that members from other groups could form a makeshift group. The task was…		\n			\n	\n		\n	\n		\n	[vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]MORE EVENT BLOGS >> \nEvent Cases\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Case 1: Protecting Water Quality in an Industrial Complex\n\nCase owner: CONCO \nIndustries operating in the Matsapha industrial area are facing problems with poor quality of the surface water that they use\, caused by uncontrolled industrial discharges  and illegal dumping of waste in the catchment area. Some organizations invest significantly in compliance and water stewardship\, but weak enforcement and limited monitoring capacity create uneven performance across the catchment. This shared water challenge presents environmental\, operational\, and reputational risks that cannot be solved by individual companies alone. This case challenges participants to explore collaborative\, practical\, and scalable solutions that improve transparency\, accountability\, and collective action to protect water quality in a complex industrial context. \nPitch & Poster – case 1 \n[vc_single_image image=”65385″ img_size=”600×850″ onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank” css=””]Case 2: Institutional Alignment in Water Allocation and Land Use\n\nCase owner: JBRA-Project Board and Water Authority Limburg \nWater allocation decisions in Eswatini are affected by fragmented institutional mandates. Land allocation by the Deeds Office\, agricultural expansion supported by the Ministry of Agriculture\, sand mining permits issued by the Mining Department\, and irrigation developments often proceed without synchronized alignment with water availability and abstraction permits. JRBA-PB\, operating under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy\, seeks an innovative coordination mechanism to ensure water resource sustainability while enabling economic development. The challenge of this case is to develop an integrated institutional model that connects land\, water\, agriculture\, and sand mining decisions in a transparent and technically sound manner. \nPich & Poster – case 2 – Winning team! \n[vc_single_image image=”65386″ img_size=”600×850″ onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank” css=””]Case 3: Water Footprint Compensation for Investments in Water-positive projects\n\nCase owner: Water Footprint Implementation\, JRBA-Project Board\, and Water Authority Vechtstromen \nEswatini faces increasing climate variability\, water stress\, and ecosystem degradation\, while financing for watershed restoration and resilience remains insufficient. The Water Footprint concept provides a science-based method to quantify water use and pollution. To enable verified investment in water-positive projects\, the “Water Footprint Compensation” framework was developed by Water Footprint Implementation and Act4Water. This mechanism has yet not been operationalised in Eswatini. The challenge of this case is to explore how Eswatini can creatively apply\, adapt\, or reimagine water footprint and compensation mechanisms to mobilise finance for stewardship\, strengthen resilience\, and create measurable basin-level impact. \nPitch & Poster – Case 3 \n[vc_single_image image=”65387″ img_size=”600×850″ onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank” css=””]Event Partners\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”65153″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57211″ img_size=”150×150″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57038″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”53546″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”65264″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”65270″ img_size=”150×150″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”65269″ img_size=”150×150″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”65268″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”53563″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”61392″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”58830″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57060″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”65263″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”65266″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”65279″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”54106″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””]
URL:https://wetskills.com/event/wetskills-eswatini-2026/
LOCATION:Mbabane\, Swaziland
CATEGORIES:Past event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wetskills.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Wetskills-eSwatini-2026_lowres.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ntombikayise Dhladhla":MAILTO:ntombikayisedhladhla@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250307
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250321
DTSTAMP:20260420T165433
CREATED:20241108T085857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T151333Z
UID:10000148-1741305600-1742515199@wetskills.com
SUMMARY:Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2025
DESCRIPTION:About The Event\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Welcome to the 10th Wetskills Challenge in South Africa! \nWe were back in the breathtaking coastal city of Cape Town\, for the 10th Wetskills Challenge in South Africa. It was held from March 7 to March 20\, 2025\, at the University of Cape Town and in conjunction with the IWA Water Reuse and Reclamation Conference\, with the grand award ceremony at the Cape Town International Convention Centre! \nJoining in this event were 20 participants: from Ghana\, Zimbabwe\, The Netherlands and South Africa. Welcome!! \nFollow us in this unforgettable two-week program that brought together vibrant\, multidisciplinary teams. Our mission? To develop groundbreaking solutions for real-world challenges presented by our esteemed case owners from across the water sector—industry leaders\, government agencies\, NGOs\, and knowledge institutes. \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64398″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Event info\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””]Programme Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2025 (draft) \nAnnouncement for Participants Wetskills-South Africa 2025 \nTerms & Conditions Wetskills-South Africa (Cape Town) 2025 \n[vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Follow Wetskills\nFacebookXInstagramLinkedInYouTube\nParticipating in this Wetskills Event – What do you get?\nA unique learning experience where you will tackle real-life water challenges with your own team! \n\nYou will develop expertise in international cooperation\, problem-solving\, cross-cultural understanding\, and interdisciplinary teamwork.\nYou will develop or improve your networking and presentation abilities through pitch and poster\nYou will get the opportunity to connect with other international water students/young professionals.\nYou will immerse yourself in the scenic coastal city of Cape Town (voted of of the most beautiful cities in the world)\, exploring water-related sites\, cultural sites\, and engaging with local water professionals.\nJoin parts of the IWA Reclamation and Reuse conference programme in Cape Town (incl. Wetskills Finals & Awarding Ceremony)\nYou will learn and deepen your understanding of the South African water sector\, gaining insights into key stakeholders\, organizations\, contemporary issues\, and existing business opportunities.\nUpon program completion\, receive a certificate of participation\, officially joining the ranks of over 1400 Wetskills Alumni.\n\nMore information\nFor additional information please contact Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa\, craig.tinashe@wetskills.com or Johan Oost\, johan.oost@wetskills.com. \nEvent Blogs & Pictures\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]	\n		\n						A balance of curiosity sparked by science and calmness brought by nature’s beauty.Blogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year agoBy Sihlangule Nomandla & Tshireletso Madumo 13-03-2025 Today was the definition of a busy day. The team gathered at the University of Cape Town for updates on the cases. It…		\n			\n	\n		\n						From Dams to Vineyards: A Journey Through Water Management in South AfricaBlogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year ago14-03-2025 By Emmanuella Ampadu & Ditiro Mafane The Wetskills South Africa 2025 program has been an eye-opening journey\, bringing together young professionals and students passionate about water management. As the…		\n			\n	\n		\n						Innovating with Purpose: A Day full of Ideas\, Insights\, and Meaningful FeedbackBlogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year ago12-03-2025 By Felicia Diale & Karabo Modiba The morning began like any other- The group had breakfast and carpooled to the University of Cape Town’s South Campus. The highlight of the…		\n			\n	\n		\n						Balancing work and leisureBlogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year ago11-03-2025 By Lars Bellekom & Rebbeca Levy It is 7 in the morning and the alarm is ringing in the Green Elephant Hostel! A quick shower and it is off…		\n			\n	\n		\n						Day with the Experts  Blogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year ago10 March 2025 By Lauren Grootboom After a weekend filled with training and knowledge consumption. We started the week off with the official start of the Wetskills Challenge 2025 (…		\n			\n	\n		\n						A Lazy Sunday? Or Maybe NotBlogs\, wetskills-SA Cape town 20251 year ago9th March 2025 By Nikita Singh & Nasiphi Tshivata Wetskills Day 3: Sunday\, our third day at Wetskills started a little later\, as we recovered from an eventful and productive…		\n			\n	\n		\n	\n		\n	[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]MORE EVENT BLOGS >> \nEvent Cases\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”16px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Case 1: Reimagining Water Supply\, Water 4.0 technologies for reuse\nCase owner: World Water Academy \nWater scarcity and securing reliable water sources is a growing global issue\, exacerbated by climate change. Wastewater treatment plants offer an alternative: can treated effluent be repurposed to meet growing water demands? This challenge explores how Water 4.0 technologies – leveraging digitalization\, automation\, and decentralized water management – can enhance water reuse. Participants will develop a decision-making framework to assess effluent reuse\, considering technological investments\, water quality\, business models\, and stakeholder management. The outcome will inform training needs for water professionals and create a structured program to ensure effective Water 4.0 adoption. \nCase 2: Addressing illegal connections in water supply systems\nCase owner: Amatola Water \nAmatola Water\, a bulk water services provider\, has a Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) Strategy that seeks to reduce non-revenue water as part of its commitment to water service delivery assurance and ensuring both financial and environmental sustainability. Illegal connections are a significant contributor to non-revenue water\, especially in peri-urban and rural areas with no formal development plans\, leading communities to find their own water access solutions. As Amatola Water is responsible for community and household water supply\, this leads to an intractable social problem of water needs and / or service demands\, that is not being met by relevant authorities. This question has operational\, financial and water resource management implications. \nCase 3: Metal Contamination in the Berg River Estuary\n\nCase owner: Department of Water and Sanitation \nThe Berg River Estuary\, a vital ecological and socio-economic resource on South Africa’s West Coast\, is increasingly impacted by metal contamination from industrial\, agricultural\, and urban sources. Recent studies reveal concerning levels of metals such as copper (Cu)\, zinc (Zn)\, lead (Pb)\, and iron (Fe) accumulating in estuarine sediments\, posing risks to aquatic life and commercial fisheries. This case challenges participants to develop a science-based strategy for mitigating metal contamination\, while balancing ecological sustainability and economic feasibility. Solutions should focus on source control\, sediment remediation\, and long-term monitoring using innovative technologies. \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Pitch & Poster \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64391″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””]Pitch & Poster \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64392″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””]Pitch & Poster \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64393″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”64px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Case 4: Mapping the Journey of Solid Waste\nCase owner: Blue Deal South Africa \nIf solid waste isn’t managed properly\, it becomes an growing environmental issue\, with problems for soil\, rivers\, dams and ground water. On the other hand\, recycling of solid waste will enhance economy\, create new jobs and strengthen the sustainability of the planet. This case is about developing a so-called ‘Solid Waste Flow Diagram’ (SWFD) and pilot it on Grabouw\, a town within the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality\, with a fast growing population living in informal settlements. What information is available? Mapping the solid waste journey\, from its sources to its final end points? What actions can be derived form this SWFD to diminish the diffuse pollution to the environment and increase profitable recycling? \nCase 5: Improving Access to Water and Sanitation\nCase owner: Water Research Commission\n \nAccess to safe drinking water and dignified sanitation remains a significant challenge in many African countries\, particularly in rural and isolated areas. Some of the key challenges are water scarcity\, poor infrastructure and the lack of maintenance of existing infrastructure. Water and sanitation projects require significant investment and many rural areas lack adequate government funding to support large-scale water infrastructure development. What can be done to improve access to affordable water and sanitation for rural communities in Southern Africa in order to deliver impact at scale? \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Pitch & Poster \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64394″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””]Pitch & Poster \n[vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”64395″ img_size=”full” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Event Partners\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”53563″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”61396″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”53560″ img_size=”230×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”53564″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”57038″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57645″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”61388″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57060″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_single_image image=”61385″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”63229″ img_size=”230×230″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”54106″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”57060″ img_size=”220×220″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=”” qode_css_animation=””]Previous Events: Cape Town (2023) and Sandton (2022)\n\n[vc_single_image image=”50762″ img_size=”full” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”]
URL:https://wetskills.com/event/wetskills-south-africa-cape-town-2025/
LOCATION:University of Cape Town\, Rondebosch 7701\, Cape Town\, Western Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Past event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wetskills.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/bloubergstrand-beach.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Tinashe":MAILTO:craig.tinashe@wetskills.com
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