Water is an essential resource for life and many human activities. Unfortunately, South Africa faces a water crisis, with a growing shortage of drinking water and frequent breakdowns in water distribution. This crisis is exacerbated by a skills shortage in the water sector, making it difficult to implement projects to improve the country’s water infrastructure.
As part of the Water Symposium organized by the IIE MSA (Independent Institute of Education – Monash South Africa), researchers and academics highlighted the importance of higher education institutions in solving this crisis. Indeed, these institutions play a crucial role in training qualified professionals in the water field.
Notably, IIE MSA offers graduate programs focused on water management, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Water Management and the Masters in Integrated Water Management. These programs provide students with the technical skills needed to effectively manage water resources, including watershed management, water resource planning, and water treatment.
However, despite the existence of these programs, there is a shortage of people interested in a career in the water sector. IIE MSA researchers therefore emphasize the importance of attracting more students to these programs by highlighting career opportunities and raising awareness of the importance of water management in society.
Additionally, IIE MSA researchers also highlight the role of higher education institutions in research and innovation in the water sector. These institutions can contribute to the development of new technologies and methodologies for the construction, operation and maintenance of water infrastructure. They can also study people’s perceptions and drive the adoption of new technologies, such as aquaponics, a form of climate-smart agriculture.
In short, higher education institutions have a crucial role to play in solving South Africa’s water crisis. By training skilled professionals and contributing to research and innovation, they can help alleviate the skills shortage and improve the country’s water infrastructure. It is therefore essential to promote and support these graduate programs to ensure a sustainable water future in South Africa.