The First Regional Conference of the Southern African Young Water Professionals, to be held on 19 and 20 January at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, promises to be a valuable platform for newcomers to the water sector to meet their peers and advance their careers.

The conference, which is organised by the Southern African Young Water Professionals Programme under the auspices of the International Water Association and the Water Institute of Southern Africa, has already attracted significant attention from potential presenters and sponsors alike, with sponsorship from the Department of Science and Technology, Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality at Rhodes University, the Water and Health Unit at the University of Johannesburg, Water Research Commission, the Mine Water Division of WISA, Gaflax, Vela VKE Consulting Engineers, Golder and Associates, SSI Engineers and Environmental Consultants, IWA - East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management  (CIWEM) and Rand Water.  

Dr Jo Burgess, Research Manager at the Water Research Commission and Chair of  the South African Young Water Professionals says ‘This event will provide a forum for young researchers and professionals in water and wastewater science, research, engineering, technology, management and other areas of the water sector to network with both peers and prospective employers’ .

‘The first of its kind in South Africa, this conference will provide a friendly platform for young professionals to present their work while offering them the opportunity to obtain career advice from distinguished water professionals, who will also be present. We have also found a mismatch between institutions trying to recruit new staff and graduates who want employment – this event aims to bridge this communication gap and bring the two parties together under one roof.’

The best presenter at this regional conference will go on to represent South Africa at the Fifth Biennial IWA Young Water Professionals Conference in Sydney, Australia, from 5 to 7 July 2010 (provided they qualify as a YWP under the IWA’s criteria).

The organisers hope that the conference will become a regular occurrence. ‘We eventually hope to have a Young Water Professionals event at least every two years,’ notes Dr Burgess.

For more information about the conference contact Cilla Taylor at Tel: (012) 667-3681,Email:confplan@iafrica.com or visit: www.wisa.org.za/ywp