The Deputy Minister of Water and Environment Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, leads the fourth annual Youth Water Summit that is taking place in Birchwood hotel, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, from 2-6 July 2012.

The theme for this year’s Summit is “Meaningful participation of Africa’s youth in water resource management can contribute to sustainable development”.

During the Summit young people will share ideas and co-operate in fostering common solutions to continental water and climate change issues, go for excursions to get a better understanding of water resource management, participate in public speaking and debates, and participate in different competitions. This historic event draws approximately 570 delegates.

The 2012 Youth Water Summit has a dedicated session for out of school youth which is attended by young people from across the African continent. The Summit seeks to reach the following outcomes: Consolidated report of existing youth initiatives/programmes from respective participating countries, draft Africa Youth Strategy on Water and Implementation plan, process plan leading to Youth Strategy adoption across Africa and proposal for Africa Junior Water Prize culminating to Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

The Summit will end with the main event on Friday, 6 July 2012 whereby overall winners in different categories of innovative water initiatives by the youth will be announced.

 For more information: 082 802 3432 / khumalot@dwa.gov.za