WRC Emerge as Winners at WISA 2008
Theme: Confluence of the Water Sector
Approximately 1 200 delegates attended the WISA 2008 Conference which was held in Sun City on 18-22 May. The Conference offered delegates a comprehensive mix of thought-provoking plenary sessions as well as “hands-on” workshops and focused discussions.
The CEO of the WRC, Dr Rivka Kfir, delivered the keynote address on how knowledge can address problems in the South African water sector. She also cited many WRC research projects that made an impact on the lives of South Africans.
Dr Rivka Kfir: CEO- WRC
Research Managers, Directors and project leaders facilitated various workshops and discussion forums. WRC presentations (talks, workshops and posters) represented sixty six of a total of one hundred and thirty eight. Delegates were afforded the opportunity to gain valuable insight from WRC personnel.
Outgoing President of WISA and Board member of the WRC, Professor Fred Otieno, said that “WISA activities expanded significantly, both in volume and revenue; estimates indicating a ten-fold increase.”
Professor Fred Otieno
Dr Heidi Snyman, Director: Water-Centred Knowledge at the WRC, was inaugurated as WISA President. In her address she referred to “the gradual but definite change of the sector from a reactive to a proactive culture- we are seeing more innovation, responsibility and accountability which are critical success factors for our sector. On the other hand, we cannot be blind to challenges such as skills shortages, institutional efficiency and the effective enforcement of water laws. The sector will need to continue our efforts to overcome these challenges.”
Dr Heidi Snyman: President- WISA
The WRC exhibited at this event. The concept of a knowledge café (based on a coffee shop concept) was met with resounding success, culminating in the WRC receiving second prize in the designer exhibition stand category. Ms Zagry Scholtz was largely responsible for this accolade. Delegates were offered an array of reports that related to the conference themes and they could order these reports at the exhibition stand. Research Managers and Directors were also present to answer questions and to address queries.
Ms Zagry Scholtz
The WRC coordinated the media component of the conference. This included the dissemination of the official media release and media liaison. The conference received favourable media coverage from both print and electronic media. There were regular newspaper articles as well as radio and television interviews for the duration of the conference.