About Us
The Young Water Professionals South Africa (YWP-ZA) programme is an empowerment platform of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) and forms part of the global International Water Association (IWA) Young Water Professionals network. Established in 2008, YWP-ZA is a volunteer-driven initiative that connects students, early-career professionals, researchers and practitioners who are passionate about the water sector and its vital role in society, the environment and economic development.
YWP-ZA aims to provide an inclusive, non-racial and non-discriminatory professional home for young people working in or entering the water sector. The programme supports the development of the next generation of water leaders by creating opportunities for learning, networking, collaboration and professional growth. Through these efforts, YWP-ZA contributes to meeting the present and future needs of the water and wastewater sectors in South Africa and strengthening the country’s water workforce.
The YWP-ZA National Committee serves as the coordinating body for the programme, working closely with WISA and engaging with international structures within the IWA YWP community. The committee provides strategic leadership for the network and ensures alignment with national and global water sector initiatives, while provincial committees deliver activities and engagement across South Africa.
The global YWP programme of the International Water Association empowers early-career professionals by offering practical opportunities to develop technical expertise, leadership skills and professional networks. Through workshops, conferences, mentoring initiatives and collaborative platforms, young professionals can present their work, share knowledge with peers and engage with leaders in the water sector. These initiatives foster innovation and collaboration while supporting the development of the future workforce needed to address complex water challenges.
YWP-ZA hosts several national flagship initiatives over each two-year committee cycle, including the Biennial YWP Conference, which brings together students, researchers, practitioners and industry leaders from across the country to share research, innovations and practical solutions for water management. In addition to national flagship events, YWP-ZA coordinates a wide range of technical, academic, outreach and skills-development activities at provincial level, implemented by its provincial committees to strengthen local engagement and capacity building within the water sector.
Aim
The aim of the YWP program is to contribute the present and future needs of the water sector in South Africa, an aim which requires the continuous development of a workforce which is adequate in size, capable in skills and strong in leadership. YWPs are the future of the water sector, and therefore the future of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Addressing the needs of the country, we also started a scholars’ membership base to get the youth excited about working in the water sector. Without water, no other industry can function; without water, no plant or animal life can survive.
To fulfill this aim, the YWP-ZA body has the following objectives:
- to support and facilitate YWPs to play an active role in WISA and IWA activities, and
- in so doing to elevate the profile of these associations;
- to ensure the YWP-ZA programme remains relevant to YWPs;
- to provide opportunities for YWPs to network, communicate and collaborate; and
- to provide career development opportunities for YWPs.
YWP runs many initiatives and programs on a regular basis as well as partnering with other initiatives to increase the overall impact of the program. These may be National YWP or Provincial events and workshops.
Vision
To contribute to the present and future needs of the water sector through the continuous development of an inclusive workforce which is adequate in size, capable in skills and strong in leadership. YWPs are the future of the water sector.
To achieve distinction (excellence and greatness by connecting (linking and transdisciplinary networking) all YWPs striving for personal and professional evolution (growth).