Fifteen-year-old twins from KwaDabeka, outside Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, are gearing up to fly the South African flag high in the upcoming Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition, set to take place in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday.
The sisters, Sandisiwe and Sanelisiwe Nhlozi, won the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition in June this year.
The competition is spearheaded by the Department of Water and Sanitation and challenges secondary and high school learners to identity a water problem in their community and come up with innovative and technology-based solutions to address the challenge.
The duo, who are currently in Grade 10 at Buhlebemfundo Secondary School, will present their aptly named “Drop-Drop” water education and awareness app that is aimed at enhancing education around the importance of prudent water use in communities.
The enthusiastic twin sisters have not only set their eyes on winning during the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition, but plan to further refine their project and see it through its implementation in South Africa.
“Of course, we want to win, but if it happens that we do not win, we hope to see “Drop-Drop” being developed further and implemented in communities where it is needed the most,” the pair said.
The Nhlozi sisters have high hopes for their lives and expressed that through the comprehensive bursaries awarded by the Department of Water and Sanitation after winning the SAYWP competition.
The learners plan to pursue their studies in Civil Engineering after completing their matric, with the hope of working in the water sector and contributing solutions to address water challenges in the country.
“When we won the SAYWP competition, we were so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Although we did not think that we would win, because of the tough competition with our counterparts from other provinces, it was through teamwork and dedication that we were crowned winners,” Sandisiwe said.
The twin sisters and best friends expressed their excitement about travelling together for the first time outside of the country for the opportunity to represent South Africa on a global stage.
“Being provided with this opportunity to represent South Africa is an incredible honour and privilege. We feel proud, excited, and nervous, but we find comfort in each other and in knowing that learners at our school and even those we competed with are supporting us,” Sanelisiwe said.
The department has wished the duo well and said it is committed to working together with the Department of Basic Education to help raise awareness about water education, and to attract and get young minds to develop an interest in the sector.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a competition for learners aged between 15 to 20 years who have developed research projects that can help solve major water challenges.
The competition attracts tens of thousands of entries from approximately 35 countries. – SAnews.gov.za
