Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has challenged the youth to help find solutions to the global water woes.
Mahlobo made the call during the Wetskills Challenge Awards Ceremony held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini on Wednesday.
The Deputy Minister officiated the Wetskills Challenge, a two-week programme for students and young professionals with a passion for water from all over the globe to work in transdisciplinary and transcultural teams on challenging water cases.
The participants’ challenge is to find innovative solutions for the water challenges facing the world.
Several teams competed for the number one spot and came up with solutions to various topics, including water security within the green hydrogen industry; developing a business model for non-governmental organisations, and innovative sanitation solutions in schools.
Speaking at the event, Mahlobo reminded the youth that science must be used for humanity, and that they will help to find solutions to the global water woes.
Mahlobo said he trusts that with the calibre of young men and women who participated in the challenge, the future of the water sector is in good hands.
“Your trade is about humanity and humanity is to improve conditions. We all have shared aspirations and dreams.
“We all want to live in peace and harmony, with development. At this point, we are carrying a treasure and inheritance for the next generations, as we inherited from our forebearers,” Mahlobo said.
He called on government to create opportunities for the ideas presented to be realised, and to foster talent and innovation.
“What we need to do is to support you in implementing the strategies you have come up with, and create pace for your development and an opportunity to pilot these ideas. As government, we need to say, ‘now that the seed has been planted, how do we water and nurture it?',” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister congratulated the winners who came up with solutions to the pit latrine problem in rural areas in South Africa.
Emerald Reddy, Rafael Tembe, Shongile Chauke and Tasmiyah Ismail presented a study that investigates integrating the innovative Larvae'd toilet system with the existing WASH solution in South Africa's rural schools.
The proposed solution aims to resolve these facilities with sustainable and hygienic sanitation solutions.
The team said the innovation will leverage community involvement and the use of recycled materials.
The initiative also ensures students health and safety, and explores business for those who will be supplying for the schools. – SAnews.gov.za
