The 2024 Wetskills-Foundation South Africa, Durban initiative had a spectacular final day of pitch preparations at Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Chemical Engineering on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.
The Wetskills Foundation initiative aims to solve water challenges globally, including in South Africa, through innovative ideas to develop practical solutions to the current water crisis. Wetskills Foundation Regional Manager Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa and Peter De Jong, Wetskills Foundation Programme Manager, facilitated the programme.
Participants were given tasks and guidance to prepare for the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) 2024 Conference, which was held at the International Convention Centre on 12 June 2024.
This 14-day innovative seminar kickstarted on Sunday, 2 June 2024, where participants had a ‘meet and greet’ for the team announcement. On Tuesday, 4 June 2024, the Wetskills Programme commenced at the DUT’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
During the official opening, 22 participants from different countries were given research case studies to work on to devise innovative solutions to water challenges. They were guided by DUT staff members from various departments, including Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, and Cooperative Education, to prepare for their final pitch presentation.
The 22 candidates included Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students studying water-related studies or working in companies that deal with water.
Participants had to present their final pitch case studies to the panel of water experts before the big moment they had been preparing for: the WISA Conference.
Dr. Innocentia Mkhize, Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Coordinator of this initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the participants’ final pitch presentations. She also extended best wishes to Ms Tasmiyah Ismail, a DUT Chemical Engineering student, and all other participants. They are all eager and prepared. “We also extend our thanks for the support received from all participating organisations and other departments at DUT; we are grateful for your support”. she said.
Dr Mkhize also emphasised that the entire initiative aligns with the university’s teaching and learning philosophy of implementing innovative teaching by integrating problem-based learning and design thinking into the curriculum. “Therefore, hosting Wetskills reflects our shared philosophy. Looking ahead, we aim for our DUT students to engage in similar Wetskills programmes globally,” she added.
Tasmiyah Ismail (MEng DUT student) is presently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. She shared that participating in a research programme such as Wetskills has been an absolute pleasure so far. “The highlights of this experience include identifying real-life problems and knowing that my research will make a difference,” she added.
The acting HOD of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr Thokozani Ngema, thanked the guests and everyone who made this initiative a success. He encouraged them to use this initiative and do well for themselves to change the world.
“It has been a long journey, and the final day has arrived. I hope you enjoyed this journey and you will make yourself of it. I hope this journey helps you and enables you to solve the water challenges in the country. We cannot forget to thank everyone who contributed. I wish you all the best on the WISA conference,” he said.
Peter De Jong, Wetskills Foundation Programme Manager was pleased with the group’s performance on how they have improved on their research and presentation skills. “We are very excited with their improvements. They have shown that they are ready. We are also grateful to the DUT Chemical Engineering Department for accommodating us and all the experts for sharing their expertise and guidance with the groups,” he said.
Pictured: Delegates at the event.
Vukani Langa
