By Gaongalelwe Tiro
TCTA, alongside the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and other water sector stakeholders, actively participated in the recently concluded 2024 Stockholm World Water Week. This year’s theme, “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” focused on collaborative efforts to ensure peace and sustainability in water management.
South Africa had a strong presence at the event, led by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo. During his address at the Ministerial Stakeholder Engagement Cocktail, parts of which were broadcast on DWS’s social media platforms, he quoted Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.
It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Deputy Minister Mahlobo added, “The South African delegation, the SADC (Southern African Development Community) delegation and the Africa delegation—your marching orders are: Let us find our path during this engagement to help make this world a better place for all.” The South African delegation, including TCTA, showcased the country’s achievements in water infrastructure, management and innovation. Sharing an exhibition space, they presented projects and initiatives focused on water security.
The exhibition stand highlighted key bulk water projects and milestones achieved over the past 30 years since the attainment of democracy. Deputy Minister Mahlobo visited the South African stand, which featured major projects such as the construction and maintenance of critical bulk water infrastructure and advances in water management practices supporting sustainable development.
The Ministerial Engagement Event, hosted by South African partners, including DWS and TCTA, in Stockholm ahead of the main event, gathered local and international stakeholders to exchange insights and build new partnerships. Precious Sibiya, Chairman of the TCTA Board, led the organisation’s team in Stockholm, where the country’s representatives sought to strengthen existing relationships and explore further collaboration.
The South African delegation also supported Sandisiwe and Sanelisiwe Nhlozi, twin sisters from KwaDabeka, outside Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, who represented South Africa at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition on Sunday, 25 August 2024. The sisters, winners of the South African Youth Water Prize in June, presented their “Drop-Drop” water education and awareness app, aimed at promoting prudent water use in communities. Although they did not win the trophy, their participation
was celebrated as a significant achievement.
South Africa’s involvement in Stockholm World Water Week underscored its commitment to water cooperation and sustainable development. The event offered a platform for exchanging knowledge and developing solutions to global water challenges. The 2024 Stockholm World Water Week took place from 25 to 29 August at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. Hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute, the event was held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation.
