Future leaders showcase their water-saving innovations

Winners were chosen based on the creativity of demonstrating the knowledge they have gained through the programme, and efforts made to source additional information to that which they learnt from the programme.

MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy Tiisetso Nketle with MS Lindiwe Sibisi from Zakheni primary school from Duduza who scooped the first prize at the water conservation and waste competition held at the Boksburg Civic Centre.

Zakheni Primary School learners were crowned the water gurus at the Schools’ Water Conservation and Waste Competition held at the Boksburg Civic Centre on Thursday, November 1.

According to Themba Gadebe, winners of the competition will be given an opportunity to represent their schools and showcase their innovative water-saving presentations to council.

“The competition is a culmination of a programme which saw learners from primary schools participate in educational sessions in August, while secondary school learners visited the Rand Water purification station and East Rand Water Care Company wastewater treatment plant in October this year,” said Gadebe.

“After presenting innovative ways to save water through rain water harvesting options for informal settlements Zakheni primary school learners left a good impression and their presentation to the panel of judges and the MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy Tiisetso Nketle left a ray of hope for the water sector.

Nketle said: “There is a shortage of skills in the water sector and South Africa is a water-scarce country, facing a potential water crisis should there be no drastic action taken.

“We are relying on the future generations to contribute to innovative solutions. And it is through this competition that the City is encouraging research and for learners to find solutions, while also consider pursuing a career in water engineering.”

While Zakheni primary school from Duduza was the star in the primary school category, Amos Maphanga Secondary School from Etwatwa reigned supreme in the high school category, with persuasive presentation on possible solutions on alternative water sources.