RDI Opportunities

Closed Call Archives

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Key Strategic Area:9 - Business Development and Innovations
Programme:  Business Development and Innovations
Title: Consolidation and gap analysis of non-revenue water tools, guidelines, technologies, and solutions
TOR ID: 1009950

Contact Person (ToR content and Focus): Shanna Nienaber shannan@wrc.org.za
Contact Person (BMS, proposal template, etc): Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

Closing Date: 8 Feb 2023

Brief Description

Consolidate and package the existing advisory packages, solutions, guidelines, reports, innovations, and technologies sitting in the proven and emerging pipeline related to non-revenue water. This will need to be accompanied by a research and innovation gap analysis to inform the NRW investment strategy from an innovation perspective. All outputs must be packaged in a way that meets the user requirements of core partners such as DWS, municipalities, SALGA, MISA, and others.

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KSA 39: Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilient Program (GLSCRP)
Thrust: Business Development
Title: Developing and piloting enterprise development capacity building for rural community-based water schemes.
ToR ID:1009947
Contact Person: Zanele Sifundza – zaneles@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 29 January 2023

Brief Description of ToR: This ToR focuses on developing the learning tools, documenting the approach on rural and social enterprise management to ensure post-project sustainability and creation of a local economy enabled by water provision and climate resilience solutions. This includes technical, financial, business, and social skills to operate and sustain livelihoods and enterprises of Giyani.
Scope: To develop and pilot rural enterprise capacity development modules that will complement operational training modules for empowering for the targeted 220 beneficiaries in the communities and project rural water schemes.

Interested participants are encouraged to attend a non-compulsory Briefing Session on the following dates:
Date : 11 January 2023 @ 10h00, 16 January 2023 @ 10h00

Please find the links for the two briefing sessions :

11 January 2023 -  Click here to join the meeting
16 January 2023 - Click here to join the meeting

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
THRUST 1: Governance and institutional arrangements
PROGRAMME 2: Policy, science and implementation
ToR Title: Development and application of standardised tools to support assessment of the socio-economic impact of water re-allocation through compulsory licensing
ToR ID : 1009948
Contact Person: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 03 February 2023

Compulsory licensing, as provided for in section 43 of the National Water Act, is intended to be used in areas which are, or are soon likely to be, stressed in terms of water quantity or
quality, or where it is necessary to review prevailing water use to achieve equitable access to water.
There is a need to learn from experience to date with implementing compulsory licensing in order to inform how it can better be done in the future.
Further, there is a need for a standardised set of tools and approaches to guide and expedite aspects of the licensing process, including the assessment of the socio-economic
impacts of authorising a particular proposed allocation schedule. Selected catchments within the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area will be used as a test site for the tools and
approaches for socio-economic assessment to be developed through this study.

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KSA:1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Programme: Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security
Title of ToR: Empirical and user-appropriate evidence to support DFIs and private sector investment towards managing ecological Infrastructure
ToR ID:1009949

Closing Date: 03 February 2023

Contact Person: Roderick Juba roderickj@wrc.org.za

Description
The scarcity of appropriate and appropriately packaged evidence to demonstrate the realised value of ecological infrastructure and its role in supporting sustainable development,
as well as positioning it as an important component of development finance considerations, is a significant gap that needs to be addressed urgently.
As such, this call seeks to invite applicants to review and consolidate science-based evidence that exists around the value proposition of water related ecological infrastructure to
DFIs and private sector. This will involve products that support effective mainstreaming of EI into the finance sector in order to unlock finance flows for water-related EI.

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust  2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme: Data and Hydro-informatics

TOR Title: Updating the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database for Secondary Catchments on a Sub-Quaternary Scale including the Significant Tributaries of the Main Stem Rivers, instream wetlands and estuaries within a Sub Quaternary Reach

ToR ID : 1009912
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 January 2023

Note

1 The calls are opened to all, except those who received acceptance letters already
2 The call is for Group:4 (uMzimvubu/Tsitsikama and the Spreadsheet/Model update only
3 A proposer can only submit either for Group:4 or Spreadsheet, Not both

The availability of water resources in South Africa is shrinking in terms of quantity and quality due to increasing requirements and the vastly changing land uses.
This reality necessitates the close management of natural resources and specifically water resources in a holistic manner and continuously monitoring from source to sea.
Therefore, the main objective of this study is to update the 2011 PES/EIS database that curated information for the main rivers in 1946 Quaternary Catchments in South Africa.
The study will focus largely on primary, secondary and quaternary catchments and should include the significant water resources in the proclaimed strategic water
resource areas on sub-quaternary reaches (SQRs) level which include the associated lotic wetlands i.e. floodplainwetlands, channelled valley bottoms and estuaries situated in the SQR.
The wetlands database must be addressed in detail where e.g. seeps, unchanneled valley bottoms, pans and lakes that are not connected to a river.
A standardised approach for obtaining and reflecting the latter mentioned information will be provided, assessed and the approach agreed upon during the inception phase

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust  2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme: Data and Hydro-informatics

TOR Title: Updating of the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database with reference to the Enhancement of the PES & EIS Model/Spreadsheet Database and Specialist Support to the Study Groups.
ToR ID : 1009913
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 January 2023

Note

1 The calls are opened to all, except those who received acceptance letters already
2 The call is for Group:4 (uMzimvubu/Tsitsikama and the Spreadsheet/Model update only
3 A proposer can only submit either for Group:4 or Spreadsheet, Not both

The availability of water resources in South Africa is shrinking in terms of quantity and quality due to increasing requirements and the vastly changing land uses.
This reality necessitates the close management of natural resources and specifically water resources in a holistic manner and continuously monitoring from source to sea.
Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assist the updating of the 2011/2014 PES & EIS Database by enhancing the Model/Spreadsheet that curated information for the
main rivers in 1946 Quaternary Catchments in South Africa, and to provide specialist/technical support to the five (5) Study Area Groups that will collect the information.
The five (5) Study Area Groups will focus largely on primary, secondary and quaternary catchments and should include the significant water resources in the proclaimed strategic
water resource areas on sub-quaternary reaches (SQRs) level which include the associated lotic wetlands i.e. floodplain wetlands, channelled valley bottoms and estuaries
situated in the SQR. The wetlands database will be addressed in detail where e.g. seeps, unchanneled valley bottoms, pans and lakes that are not connected to a river.
A standardised approach for obtaining and reflecting the latter mentioned information will be provided, assessed and the approach agreed upon during the inception phase.

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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Large-scale demonstration of faecal sludge management and valorization technologies
ToR ID : 1009944
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 25 November 2022

Brief description of ToR
Sludge treatment and disposal methods range from simple dewatering and landfill burial to the use of emerging technologies that can use various thermal processes such as incineration, hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis etc. to heat the sludge and produce products such as soil conditioners, briquettes, biochar, electricity and so on. The conversion of faecal and (WWTW) sludges to valuable products has many benefits and is an important step in closing the nutrients and carbon loop. This will not only reduce the environmental impact of waste created, but it also has an economic benefit in terms of sustainable energy generation, material recovery and job creation.

WRC has invested research funds in supporting the academic partnership in developing two sludge technologies viz: Latrine Dehydration Pasteurization technology (LaDePa) and the Enhanced Hydrothermal Polymerization (EHTP). These technologies are attractive as they were developed by experienced local technology partners with requisite expertise and knowledge of local conditions to ensure appropriate and relevant solutions. It is envisaged that these technologies will be viable and will offer solutions to South African (SA) municipalities through traditional procurement processes, post proposed project. These technologies also offer technologies at a scale and capacity that is suitable for municipalities i.e., 5 to 30 ton/day processing of sludge waste.

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Key Strategic Area: 39 Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilient Program (GLSCRP)
Title: Developing and piloting enterprise development capacity building for rural community-based water schemes
TOR ID: 1009939
Contact Person : Zanele Sifundza zaneles@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 05 October 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

This ToR focuses on developing the learning tools, documenting the approach on rural and social enterprise management to ensure post-project sustainability and creation of a local economy enabled by water provision and climate resilience solutions. This includes technical, financial, business, and social skills to operate and sustain livelihoods and enterprises of Giyani.
Scope: To develop and pilot rural enterprise capacity development modules that will complement operational training modules for empowering for the targeted 220 beneficiaries in the communities and project rural water schemes.

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Key Strategic Area: 34
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title: Piloting the NatSilt skills programmes for effective implementation
AWARD SP4 Deliverable 3a Curriculum framework and skills programmes
NatSilt SP4 Deliverable 1final Report
WRC NatSilt SP4 Deliverable 3b final Report
Contact Person : Lesego Gaegane lesegog@wrc.org.za , Vuyokazi Matiwana
Closing Date: 30 September 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
The reports are from the National Dam Siltation Management programme’s first phase where the skills programmes were developed. The reports entail the development process taken in developing the skills programmes, the curriculum framework and the context needed to understand the process unfolded.

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Key Strategic Area: Water resources and ecosystems
Thrust: 2. Hydrological and ecosystem processes
Programme 2: Data and hydroinformatics
Title: The state of citizen science (CS) for water resource quality monitoring
TOR ID: 1009932
Contact Person : Mr Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za, Ms Gerda Kruger gerdak@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

To improve the quality of water resource management in South Africa through the consolidation of
citizen scientist generated data to influence policy change at the national level.
Highlight the value of CS as a scientifically credible method of collecting data and
reporting on the quality of water resources in SA, determine the manner in which the CS sector can consolidate CS
efforts and fill critical gaps.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme:1 Smart water supply management
Title: Smart water metering, trends, opportunities, risks and policy
TOR ID: 1009927
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water
metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications
systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems
and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these
technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system
management for decades to come.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation
Title: What are municipalities doing with their municipal sludge? Understanding the current practices and the cost associated with municipal sludge disposal with case studies
TOR ID: 1009925
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Municipal wastewater sludge generation is an inevitable operational by-product associated sanitation
service provision. Municipal sludge consists of wastewater sludge generated as a by-product from
wastewater treatment and faecal sludge generated from containment in on-site sanitation systems. The
disposal strategies for municipal sludge management guided by the WRC Sludge Management Guidelines
of 2006 and 2009, which are currently used in Authorisations by the Authorities responsible for water and
environmental affairs to stipulate the regulatory requirements for sludge management. In addition to
disposal, stockpiling of sludges may occur.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation
Title: Development of Curricula for Non-Sewered Sanitation & Sludge Valorisation
TOR ID: 1009924
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The Water Research Commission (WRC) has generated a plethora of world-leading research into nonsewered
sanitation. This includes ground-breaking research into pit latrine science, the drying kinetics of
faecal sludge and the development and science advancement of various novel household and communitybased
sanitation systems. Despite the generation of this knowledge, there has little uptake of this research
into university curricula with conventional systems, specifically sewered system design, remaining
entrenched within the academic learning space. Under the constrained resource availability and
urbanisation trends expected, the next generation of sanitation engineers, scientists and decision-makers
need exposure to alternative approaches in this field.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Understanding the current trends and advances in municipal sludge technology and innovative options related to sludge management
TOR ID: 1009923
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Municipal wastewater sludges are produced in large quantities from wastewater treatment works.
Generally, sludge treatment and disposal can account for half of the operating cost of sewage treatment
plants. According to the State of Waste Report (SoWR, 2018), there are 824 large-scale municipal and
private wastewater treatment works generating around 632,749 tonnes of wastewater sludge. Municipal
wastewater sludge production will continue to increase as more people move to urbanized areas, new
treatment works are implemented and environmental standards become more stringent. With some
traditional disposal routes coming under pressure, the challenge is to find cost-effective and innovative
solutions whilst responding to environmental, regulatory and public pressures. The continuous
advancement of sludge treatment processes is therefore critical to municipal wastewater treatment
operations and the healthy development of the sewage treatment industry.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Development of a Strategic Approach to include Re-Engineered Toilets into Institutional and Municipal Financial Planning
TOR ID: 1009922
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

As cities grow and become under increasing water, energy, climatic and energy demand pressures, novel
sanitation systems and processes are required. Accelerating the development of new technologies,
processes and servicing and management models is required to catalyze a paradigm change in
unsustainable practices. Many of these applications have been developed, tried and tested with success
but have not reached the desired critical mass.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Development of a Framework and Model for Designing Sanitation Sensitive Cities
TOR ID: 1009921
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The vision of a Sanitation Sensitive City is one where water and sanitation and circular economy principles
is given due prominence in the design of urban area. The premise is that future cities will need to transition
into sustainable ecocities in which uses of resources are reduced, recycled and reused. At the same time,
it aims to protect society from disease-causing and environmentally degrading waste and introduce
business approaches linked to recycling and re-use. The aim is to enable economies and societies in general
to become more sustainable, autonomous, sustainable and in aligned with the realities of limited
environmental resources, including water, energy and food.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 1 – Re-Engineered Toilet
Title: Proof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that uses incineration as the main treatment process
TOR ID: 1009920
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.zaProof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that uses incineration as the main treatment process
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

There is a strong need to innovate toilet technologies to address the technical limitations of current
approaches. These solutions need to safely treat human excreta and match societal needs without relying
on sewers and constant water and energy supply. Toilets that utilize “in-situ” treatment processes offer
the potential to apply circular economy principles of “reduce, recycle and reuse” processes at household
level. This strategy enables to households to mitigate against challenges of water supply and reducing the
burden of sludge handling. Internationally and locally, standards (ISO 30500 and SANS 30500) have been
developed for this purpose and to ensure safety, functionality, usability, reliability and maintainability of
the system, and its compatibility with environmental protection goals.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 1 – Re-Engineered Toilet
Title: Proof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that carbonises human faecal waste
TOR ID: 1009919
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Progress in sanitation is falling short of time-based targets. Part of the challenge lies in the technology
paradigm that has seen little innovation is the last 150 years. The current sanitation paradigm is binary in
nature – flush toilets connected to wastewater treatment works via sewered network and on-site
alternatives that main serve as containment receptacles in which faecal sludges needs to emptied and
transported to a treatment facility. Both approaches have their known technical shortcomings.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title: The DDM model and its implications on Water Services Legislation, planning and regulation.
TOR ID: 1009930
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The President in the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech (2019) identified the “pattern of operating
in silos” as a challenge which led to “to lack of coherence in planning and implementation and
has made monitoring and oversight of government’s programme difficult”. The consequence
has been non optimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of
poverty, inequality and employment.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 3: Water efficiency and behaviour change
Title: Strategy for national scaling of behavioural nudges and other associated behaviour change tools
TOR ID: 1009929
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Climate variability, growing urban communities and that of water demand is a situation facing
many developing and developed countries. Besides the gap between demand and supply slowly
being closed and some cases exceeded, the situation is further exacerbated by lack of change is
user and usage behavior. This has been the experience both globally and now locally in the case
of Port Elisabeth, where consumption patterns have responded to the growing rsiks associated
with water stress. Many municipal areas in South Africa are already reaching point of water
stress and find themselves having to manage the demand on their water resources. This need is
likely to become more acute as the economy and population continues to grow, pushing the
areas and country in water scarcity. Historically municipalities have largely relied on engineering
interventions and customer management and education campaigns to, coupled with on tariffs,
technical interventions (such as leakage control) to manage the demand for water. In recent
years however, municipalities, mainly in the developed world, have begun implementing
behavioral economics as a means for more sustainable behaviour change in the use and
management of water.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KEY STRATEGIC AREA:Water Resources and Ecosystems THRUST: N/A PROGRAMME: Business Development and Innovations TITLE: Flood, Drought, and Pollution Disaster Early Warning System for South Africa TOR ID: 1009918 Contact Person : Dr. Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za , Ms Gerda Kruger gerdak@wrc.org.za Closing Date: 30 September 2022 Brief Description of ToR: Being able to predict the onset of disasters like floods (fast onset), droughts (slow onset) and pollution (fast and slow onset) is a prerequisite to save lives and protect infrastructure. As our climate continues to change, these extreme events are increasing and become less predictable. Coupled with poor land-use planning and management practices which threaten the quality of our source waters and environment. There is a need for system(s) that assist decision-making that is data driven and contextualised Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KEY STRATEGIC AREA: KSA 9: Business Development and Innovations
THRUST: N/A
PROGRAMME: Business Development and Innovations
TITLE: Supporting the enabling environment for public sector uptake of emerging water and sanitation innovations (Technology and process solutions)
TOR ID: 1009917
Contact Person (ToR content and Focus): Shanna Nienaber shannan@wrc.org.za
Contact Person (BMS, proposal template, etc): Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:
Develop an evaluation and recommendations report on innovation and public procurement that will support public sector uptake of emerging water and sanitation innovations (technology and process solutions). This will need to provide clear, tailored guidance to National Treasury and the Department of Science and Innovation as some of the key policy enablers in this issue. It will also need to guide the way forward for the users/buyers of solutions including Department of Water and Sanitation, CMAs, Municipalities, Utilities, and any other identified role players.
Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust : 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)
Programme : 2 (Policy, science, and implementation)
Title : Enabling the incorporation of administrative penalties into the National Water Act
ToR ID : 1009916
Contact Person : John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 July 2022

Brief description of ToR

The Department of Water and Sanitation is an authority involved in the management of environment and mandated to enforce the National Water Act, which is a Specific Environmental Management Act (SEMA). Criteria, guidelines and tools are required that will enable the application of administrative penalties for offences in terms of the National Water Act. This development will supplement the amendment process of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, which will provide for the imposition of administrative penalties for failure to comply with provisions of NEMA and the SEMAs.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme 2: Data and Hydro-informatics
Title : Updating the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database for Secondary Catchments on a Sub-Quaternary Scale including the Significant Tributaries of the Main Stem Rivers, instream wetlands and estuaries within a Sub Quaternary Reach.
ToR ID :1009912
Contact Person: Mr Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 28 August 2022

Brief description of ToR

Populating the PES and EIS Database using a standardized baseline spreadsheet/model (that will be provided) according to the designated study areas assigned to the specific groups (refer to the Table below for Study Groups). The specific objectives will entail:

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme 2: Data and Hydro-informatics
Title : Updating of the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database with reference to the Enhancement of the PES & EIS Model/Spreadsheet Database and Specialist Support to the Study Groups
ToR ID 1009913
Contact Person: Mr Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 28 August 2022

Brief description of ToR

Populating the PES and EIS Database using a standardized baseline spreadsheet/model (that will be provided) according to the designated study areas assigned to the specific groups (refer to the Table below for Study Groups). The specific objectives will entail:

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 2: Sustainable drainage futures
Title: Demonstration of the development of a WSD plans for four case study municipalities from category B and C.
TOR ID: 1009933
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

In 2013 The Water Research Commission initiated the Water Sensitive Design Lighthouse The purpose of this lighthouse was to develop a critical mass of knowledge around the integration of planning activities for the adoption of more integrated and sustainable solutions using the water sensitive design (settlements) lens for urban, peri-urban and rural environments. Thus, in South Africa, WSD is defined as management of the country’s water resources through the integration of various disciplines of engineering, social, economic and environmental sciences, whilst recognizing water as a scarce, finite and vulnerable resource and an economic good. Water and the principles of Water Sensitive Design is seen as enablers which could move South African institutions closer to meeting the developmental goals as set out in the National Development Plan and the objectives of the Water For Growth and Development, National Water Resource Strategy and Climate Change strategy.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Next-Gen Sanitation Technology Toolbox for SA Schools
ToR ID : 1009909
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 20 May 2022

Brief description of ToR
The cost per seat is used to benchmark school sanitation technologies. This metric primarily takes into account construction and installation costs, which can be easily skewed by the state of the site, greenfield vs. brownfield, or other ancillary infrastructure required other than the toilet system itself, i.e., front end (toilet pedestal) and back-end infrastructure(treatment unit). Intangible factors such as social and user acceptability and aspiration, as well as environmental factors such as the impact on potable water sources, waste disposal considerations, and energy requirements, are also ignored by this metric. As a water-stressed country where climate change threatens our current sanitation paradigm, such considerations are critical for a strong school sanitation policy and plan.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection, Water Security And Utilization
Programme: National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Develop and integrate the upper uMkhomazi catchment and Ecological Infrastructure management plan with Smithfield Dam design using NatSilt Dam Operations model_SA (002)
ToR ID : 1009908
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 04 May 2022

Brief description of ToR
The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection, Water Security And Utilization
Programme: National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Demonstrating the use of the storage sustainability scoring system tool and dam operation model at Darlington, Hazelmere and Welbedacht Dams
ToR ID : 1009905
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 1 April 2022

Brief description of ToR
The aim of the project is to test the validity of the storage sustainability scoring system tool and the dam operations model and to identify changes and improvements.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Piloting the siltation management model in the Hazelmere Dam and Welbedacht Dam catchments
ToR ID : 1009904
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 10 April 2022

Brief description of ToR

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
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KSA : KSA 9 (Business Development and Innovation)
Thrust 3 (Business Development)
Programme (Sector Strategic Responses)
Title : Developing a sustainability readiness framework and strategy to drive and guide water and sanitation institutional RDI global competitiveness
ToR ID : 1009893
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 25 February 2021

Brief description of ToR

The South African Water and Sanitation sector consists of, and is advised by various Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) entities, academic partners, consultancies and internally established units. However, very few have positioned themselves and developed sustainable capabilities to compete globally in new areas such as next generation sanitation in relation to safety and hygiene. The WRC has made significant investments into WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) research and innovation projects prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the WRC aims to utilise the case of the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal’s WASH Research and Development Centre (UKZN-WRDC) to develop a framework and strategy that can place a research entity onto a globally competitive pathway, whilst creating local industry impact.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 3 : Water resources and ecosystem protection and utilization
Programme 2: Rehabilitation and conservation
Title : Rehabilitation needs of the Baakens river ecological infrastructure to a beneficial catchment in Gqeberha
ToR ID : 1009898
Contact Person: Gerda Kruger <gerdak@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 03 February 2022

Brief description of ToR

The Baakens River flows about 23 km from its catchment area in Sherwood through the Gqebera City centre and opens at the harbour in the Algoa Bay. Over the past years, human activities have led to the pollution of the river and has affected the quality of the water as well as the flora and fauna in and around the river. The river is central to the NMB City’s development of the Baakens valley in the Metro, as such, there is a need for its rehabilitation to activate tourism and development in the area.
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KSA : KSA 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems)
Thrust 5: RESOURCE QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT
Programme P3: Source water protection
Title : Developing Long and Short Term Technical Solutions, Mitigation Measures and Decision Support Strategies that will Improve Water Quality in the Grootdraai Dam Catchment global competitiveness
ToR ID : 1009895
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa euniceuj@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 26 January 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Grootdraai Dam catchment located within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) serves several
users who are heavily involved in pertinent activities critical to sustaining the economy of South Africa.
Over the years there have been subtle changes to the water quality in the dam which have been observed
by raw water users. This change in quality could be driven by both natural hazards as well as manmade
anthropogenic activities. Seasonality also seems to have an influence on the water quality observed in
the catchment. The overall predominant observed trend is that of deteriorating water quality within most
of the catchment. The loss in water quality has already had a negative impact on the operations of some
strategic users of the dam, as water quality is no longer of the standard needed to meet operational
requirements. Secondly, the loss in water quality drives the need to abstract larger volumes of water to
ensure effective operation levels. This abstraction of larger volumes of water is not sustainable in a
catchment that is already fairly water scarce. A decrease in the amount of water in the catchment will
have a spinoff negative effect socially, economically and environmentally.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Coordination for the - SANS 30500 Testing and Certification (Mark scheme) Pilot.
ToR ID : 1009885
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 December 2021

Brief description of ToR

Off-grid and non-sewer sanitation systems offer South Africa the opportunity to expand access to the marginalized and poorly served with improved and sustainable sanitation services. This approach will assist with addressing the current sanitation backlogs and meet the target for the Sustainable Developmental Goal 6 (SDG 6) – “ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. The current sanitation provision paradigm is either a hole in the ground (i.e., the use of pit latrines and its other variants), limited use of decentralized sanitation systems which do not always meet regulatory standards, or a flushing toilet connected to a sewer reticulation system. While these solutions have merits and can meet the challenges of adequate sanitation if deployed and maintained properly. Additional factors such as quality of products, quality of performance, appropriate design, and operations and maintenance often results in poor technology deployment.
The Water Research Commission (WRC) has championed non-sewered sanitation research, development, and innovation for over 20 years and in 2014 partnered with the Department of Science and Technology and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to focus efforts that brings about sanitation transformation in South Africa and Africa, a concept termed SANiTI (Sanitation Transformation Initiative). This concept is enabled through the national programme called SASTEP (South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme) based at the Water Research Commission. One of the critical elements of SANiTI was to use a standards-based approach to move the sector towards more innovative sanitation technologies that embrace water and resource efficient toilets, alternate treatment and waste valorisation technologies and circular economy technology adaptations.

Through the WRC and the South African Bureau of Standards partnership, South Africa was well represented on the international panel that supported the creation of the ISO 30500 standard which SABS went on to adopt as the national standard in South Africa, the 2nd country in Africa to do so. This marked a critical milestone of co-operative governance (DHSWS, COGTA, and dti), smart partnerships (WRC and SABS) and potential to enable the growth of a sunrise sanitation industry in South Africa while solving some of the most challenging problems surrounding sanitation provision in the country. Such standards-based practices enhance competitive edge for nascent companies and industrial development and is also instrumental in facilitation of international trade. The next key step will be to build a certification (mark) scheme inclusive of testing, laboratory readiness and a certification mark. This projects seeks to coordinate a national platform to develop a cost efficient and functional certification / accreditation process for SANS 30500 that will enable innovators and manufacturers develop quality products in accordance with the standard.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)
Programme 2 (Policy, science and implementation)
Title : A lower Breede River scoping study to support future water-related research and guide ecological infrastructure management
ToR ID : 1009886
Contact Person: Roderick Juba roderickj@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 16 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

Certain land-use practices along the Breede River in the Western Cape are viewed as a major contributors to water quality issues in the middle to lower Breede,
leading to ecological degradation and impacting on water use downstream.
Water quality declines downstream, with changes in salinity, nutrient enrichment, microbial pollution, reduction in dissolved oxygen, and turbidity and siltation.
Knock-on effects from these include ecological degradation through issues such as increased algal blooms and eutrophication, and direct economic losses due to increased maintenance and water treatment costs,
and possibly through use of contaminated irrigation water on export products. While these issues present a great opportunity for furthering social learning, co-developing landscape-based solutions,
and establishing collaborative partnerships to coordinate long-term ecological infrastructure management interventions, there is still a clear need for better understanding of the social landscape,
including its various challenges and opportunities.
This project seeks to increase our understanding of the social-ecological landscape of the middle to lower Breede River, to identify opportunities for improved ecological infrastructure management.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 2: Policy, science and implementation
Title : Evaluation of selected South African targets, indicators and reporting methodologies for Sustainable Development Goal 6
ToR ID : 1009887
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 16 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

On 25 September 2015 South Africa was one of the 193 countries that committed to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Goal 6 aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. To achieve this, SDG 6 has 8 targets and progress is monitored through 11 indicators.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : 6
Programme : 1
Title : Text mining to enhance hydroinformatics
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams <shaficka@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 10 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The successful management of water resources is founded on the maintenance of long-term water databases and the accessibility of these data to the public. Social media, media and other crowdsourcing platforms are rich in both qualitative and quantitative data collected by individual citizens and social groups.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation.
Title : The Development of a Framework for the Review Of The Sludge Management Guidelines.
ToR ID : 1009889
Contact Person: Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 18 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

Sludge generation is a key component associated with sustainable wastewater management. In order for sludge to be disposed or used, sludge need to be characterised or classified. Historically, sludge has been classified in three main categories in a decreasing order of potential to cause odour nuisances and fly-breeding as well as to transmit pathogenic organisms to the environment. These categories are described in the guide Permissible Utilisation and Disposal of Sewage Sludge (PUDSS) published by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in 1997 (Edition 1).
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design.
Title : Strategies to recover resources from sanitation waste: Developing a national sanitation resource recovery policy based on material flows (quantity and quality).
ToR ID : 1009888
Contact Person: Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 18 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The sanitation supply chain is critical aspect of the urban water chain, offers several opportunities to recover resources and the close the resource loop in towns and cities, and a critical component of a sanitation sensitive design. Under conditions of limited natural resources, population growth and rapidly urbanizing populations, a paradigm shift may be required that considers sanitation waste as a resource with potential for material and energy recovery. Opportunities are available for water, organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, and energy recovery.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Demonstration of malodor counteractant in schools and household toilets.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 14 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

More than 40% of the world’s population still practice unsafe sanitation or lack access to improved sanitation
facilities. Associated challenges, in terms of public health and environmental protection, can therefore not be
overstated. consequently, the international community has set itself an ambitious goal to improve the
situation through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6. SDG 6.2 aims to improve access to
adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation by 2030. Despite laudable
efforts by the South African government, about 18% of South African households only have access to either an
unimproved form of sanitation or practice open defecation (StatSA, 2018).
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems.
Thrust 5: Resource Quality and Management.
Programme 3: Source Water Protection.
Title : Piloting the implementation of the waste discharge charge system in the crocodile catchment.
ToR ID : 1009884
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa
Closing Date : 22 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) forms part of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges established in terms of Section 56 of the National Water Act (NWA) (Act 36 of 1998) and is a regulatory tool which can be used to improve the quality of water resources as well as compliance to the management class and associated resource quality objectives and the ecological reserve. The development of a Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) has been proposed to promote water conservation and waste reduction. It is well known that in some instances the discharge of poor quality effluent into streams causing pollution of water resources is occurring. Poor quality of water resources contravenes the resource quality objectives and international obligations. Furthermore, waste related activities currently do not contribute any revenue towards the management of the water resources. The first three phases of implementing the WDCS was successfully completed, however phase 4 which involves the piloting of the system still remains. This TOR will address the piloting of the WDCS in the Crocodile catchment.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development.
Programme 2: Capacity building and training programmes.
Title : Developing and piloting a model that shifts water graduates from bridging programmes and academia into employment.
ToR ID :1009881
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze– chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 29 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

This initiative will form part of the broader Water Graduate Employment Programme (Water GEP) Phase 2 which falls under the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and will run for 9-12 months between November 2021 and September 2022. The Water GEP provides for graduate stipends and training (budgets). The overarching objective of the programme is to catalyse job creation in three inter-linked areas (work exposure placements, business incubation, and shifting graduates into employment) that supports sustainable economic development. This TOR specifically refers to Leg 3 that shifts graduates into employment. Water GEP Phase 1 has created a number of pathways for recently graduated youth including access to host institutions and potential employers. Current monitoring and evaluation suggests that 20-25% of supported graduates were performing within the expectations of the host organisations and have shown contributions in their place of work.

Scope: Overarching project management of the programme and to develop and pilot a model that shifts 100 top performing Water GEP phase 1 graduates into employment whilst building new knowledge on the transition of a post-COVID youth workforce for water security.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development.
Programme 2: Capacity building and training programmes.
Title :Water Incubator: Developing and Piloting the Transition of Water Graduates into Job Creators in the water and sanitation sector.
ToR ID :1009880
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze– chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 18 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

This initiative will form part of the broader Water Graduate Employment Programme (Water GEP) Phase 2 which falls under the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The Water GEP is a partnership between the WRC, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and National Treasury (NT) and will run for 9-12 months between November 2021 and September 2022. The overarching objective of the programme is to catalyse job creation in three inter-linked areas (work exposure placements, business incubation, and transitioning into employment) that supports sustainable economic development. The programme will also test opportunities from WRC portfolio around tools, products and services to be taken forward by entrepreneurs as strong science and community based businesses for the sector.

Scope: Develop and pilot a transitory business incubation model for 300 graduates that builds on previous investments in skills in the water sector to transition water, sanitation and other skills (undergraduate and post-graduate) into new areas of national contribution through intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial activities
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : Application of research findings to support the empowerment of Agri-parks farmers to increase irrigated food production and market access.
ToR ID : 1009874
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

The South African Government initiated the rollout of Agri-parks across the country, aiming to revitalise agriculture, catalyse rural industrialisation and support emerging farmers (Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, 2016). An Agri-park is a networked innovation system of agro-production, processing, logistics, marketing, training and extension services, located in a District Municipality.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : A demonstration of school-based vegetable gardens in enhancing school’s feeding scheme, a contribution to food security in five Provinces.
ToR ID : 1009876
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Malnutrition, either over- or under-nutrition, is becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially among school-aged children. This often leads to poor school attendance and high rates of dropout. Previous WRC funded research indicated a correlation between measures of food security and household food security indicators. School-based participatory vegetable gardens were found to be an effective long-term strategy that complements supplementation and food fortification programs to address hidden hunger and food insecurity.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : A roll-out of homestead vegetable gardens as test beds for Agri-technologies to enhance food and nutrition security in five Provinces.
ToR ID : 1009878
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Malnutrition, either over- or under-nutrition, is therefore becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially in high-risk groups; Young, Old, Pregnant, and Immuno-compromised (YOPI). Homestead vegetable gardens were found to be an effective strategy that addresses hidden hunger and food insecurity in poor households. Based on these findings, the WRC seeks to roll-out homestead vegetable gardens as test beds for Agri-technologies in 5 000 households.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title :Sustainable urban agriculture for addressing food, nutrition security and socio-economic development in high population areas.
ToR ID : 1009877
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Urban agriculture offers livelihood opportunities and social cohesion opportunities as people in urban spaces start to work together. Based on the socio-economic and social-ecological setting of urban areas in South Africa regarding food and nutrition security, the Water Research Commission seeks to commission an integrated urban agriculture intervention with the overall aim to showcase how sustainable agriculture can be implemented in poor and densely populated areas in Johannesburg, Polokwane, Mbombela and eThekwini Municipality to address food and nutrition security, and socio-economic development. These should showcase innovations aligned to the agriculture-environment-health nexus, water-energy-food nexus, crop diversification, hydroponics, etc. In addition, such integrated urban agriculture should create sustainable opportunities for high-risk groups; Young, Old, Pregnant, and Immuno-compromised (YOPI), to participate and beneficiate.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title :Estimating and mapping cultivated areas, crop water use and yield through integrating machine learning and remotely sensed data for improved decision support systems.
ToR ID : 1009875
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Monitoring irrigation water demand and consumption, as well as estimating crop yield, require accurate mapping of both rainfed and irrigated areas to facilitate informed policy formulations that enhance equitable water allocation, irrigation planning and drought and relief preparedness. Accurately mapped cultivated areas have become critical in recent years due to the need to achieve food self-sufficiency and at the same time be water-secure amidst the challenges brought about by climate change. This has resulted in increased developments in irrigation facilities in recent times. However, developments in irrigated agriculture are exacerbating water stress due to increased demand.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Future Infrastructure Build Charge.
ToR ID : 1009868
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the Future Infrastructure Build Charge, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Implementation of the Waste Discharge Charge System
ToR ID : 1009870
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the pilot implementation of the Waste Discharge Charge System, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Public interest functions of water resource management activities
ToR ID : 1009871
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the public interest functions of water resource management activities, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Classification of social and commercial projects
ToR ID : 1009872
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the classification of social and commercial projects, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Title : Barometer study on users perceptions on water services
ToR ID : 1009861
Contact Person:
Research Manager: Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Coodinator: Mr Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 06 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

To establish the level of users satisfaction with the current provision of water services in Municipalities.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Title : Enhancing water services authority/provider performance and identification of good practices through benchmarking
ToR ID : 1009860
Contact Person:
Research Manager: Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Coodinator: Mr Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 06 September 2021

Brief description of ToR
The purpose of the NBI is to promote sustainable water services through both performance assessment and performance improvement. Central to this purpose is the identification of best practices and providing a platform where water services institutions can share and learn from best practices as well as identify areas requiring improvement, together with solutions.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on conjunctive use (identified as Integrated Water Use Management).
ToR ID : 1009863
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Groundwater Scheme Development (identified as Installing groundwater schemes).
ToR ID : 1009864
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Management of Groundwater Schemes.
ToR ID : 1009865
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Groundwater Data collection.
ToR ID : 1009866
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing e
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Protection Zones (Delineation and Protection).
ToR ID : 1009867
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Programme 1: Smart water supply management.
Title : Barometer study :Users perceptions on the state of water services.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date :

Brief description of ToR

To establish the level of users satisfaction with the current provision of water services in Municipalities.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme.
Title : Examining the opportunities for community-based service providers/enterprises in water services delivery.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Responsibility for water supply development rests on the State as part of a policy ‘to ensure universal access to water and sanitation for all. As per the Constitution, the authority to develop water supply within their jurisdiction primarily rests on local governments, who must act consistently with national and provincial policies and strategies. Water supply development includes many aspects: planning, construction, operations and maintenance, and monitoring and control of services governed through the Municipal Systems Act and Water Services Act.
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KSA : Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 1: Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production.
Programme 1: Water – efficient production methods in relation to soil, crops and technology in rain – fed and irrigation agriculture.
Title :Increasing water use, productivity and savings in full bearing macadamia orchards under micro-irrigation.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Prof Sylvester Mpandeli sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To determine the impact of water stress at different phenological stages on the yield and quality of macadamia orchards over two seasons, and to optimise irrigation practices in different macadamia cultivars.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Sanitation‐Sensitive Design(SSD).
Programme 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation.
Title : Development of Curricula for Non‐Sewered Sanitation including Municipal Sludge Valorisation Approaches.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Water Research Commission (WRC) has generated a plethora of world‐leading research into non‐ sewered sanitation. This includes ground‐breaking research into pit latrine science, the drying kinetics of faecal sludge and the development and science advancement of various novel household and community‐ based sanitation systems. Despite the generation of this knowledge, there has little uptake of thisresearch into university curricula with conventional systems, specifically sewered system design, remaining entrenched within the academic learning space. Under the constrained resource availability and urbanisation trends expected, the next generation of sanitation engineers, scientists and decision‐makers need exposure to alternative approaches in this field.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design.
Title : Development of a Framework and Model for Designing Sanitation Sensitive Cities.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The vision of a Sanitation Sensitive City is one where water and sanitation and circular economy principles is given due prominence in the design of urban area. The premise is that future cities will need to transition into sustainable ecocities in which uses of resources are reduced, recycled and reused. At the same time, it aims to protect society from disease‐causing and environmentally degrading waste and introduce business approaches linked to recycling and re‐use. The aim is to enable economies and societies in general to become more sustainable, autonomous, sustainable and in aligned with the realities of limited environmental resources, including water, energy and food.
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KSA 3: Climate Change Flagship Programme.
Thrust :Cluster 3 ‐ Climate Change, Water Services Operational and Local Impact.
Programme :Energy Use Efficiency as Climate Change Adaptive Measure for Water Services.
Title : Piloting energy audits and energy efficiency as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy for the South African wastewater sector and framing its use in the Drop Certification Programme.
ToR ID : 1009844
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Climate change effects such as temperature increase, drought, floods, more frequent storm events and rising sea levels cause negative impacts at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs. These impacts include declining wastewater quality, higher energy demand and increased treatment requirements. Since climate change is here to stay, the impacts need to be proactively addressed for long term sustainability of wastewater treatment operations.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust :Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme :Effluent Treatment, Volarization and Reuse.
Title : Piloting irrigation using partially‐treated gold mine‐impacted water as a long‐term sustainable solution for mine water from the Witwatersrand Basins.
ToR ID : 1009843
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Eastern, Central and Western Basins of the Witwatersrand goldfields straddling Johannesburg and surrounding towns has witnessed mass‐scale cessation of gold mining operations since the late‐1990s. Termination of pumping of water from the mines in these Basins has resulted in mine flooding, leading to acid mine drainage (AMD) formation in the mine voids.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3:Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme 1:Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production.
Title : Natsurv 19: Water and wastewater management in the Winery Industry (Edition 1).
ToR ID : 1009846
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To review and document water and wastewater management within the winery industry and generate the first edition Natsurv report for the South African winery industry
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3:Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme 1:Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production.
Title :Natsurv 15: Water and wastewater management in the oil refining and re‐refining industry (Edition 2) and update of Natsurv 4 on water and wastewater management in the dairy industry.
ToR ID : 1009845
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To review and document water and wastewater management within the refining and re‐refining industry as part of the first stage of revisions of the Natsurv series and provide an update of Natsurv 4 on water and wastewater management in the dairy industry.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 2: Water Quality Futures.
Programme 4: Emerging issues and substances of concern in water.
Title :Scoping study on the use of water fingerprinting techniques for water pollution monitoring and assessment.
ToR ID : 1009853
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Environmental water quality monitoring and pollution assessment is a fundamental tool for water resources management and it is important for safeguarding against adverse effects from multiple chemical and biological contamination arising from anthropogenic diffuse emissions and point sources. The nature and source, temporal‐spatial pattern, transfer process and intensity of pollution vary significantly area to area. Knowing the source(s) of pollution, loads and associated impacts in a water body is of great value in water quality management as it can inform pollution control and remedial actions required.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 2: Water services Institutional and management issues.
Title : Towards a systematic review of the Water Services Authority mode.
ToR ID : 1009852
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Consolidate existing knowledge, capturing successes and failures, and identify gaps for future research, to inform an evidence‐based approach for future improvement of the Water Services Authority (WSA) model
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 5: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title :The DDM model and its implications on Water Services Legislation, planning and regulation.
ToR ID : 1009851
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The President in the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech (2019) identified the “pattern of operating in silos” as a challenge which led to “to lack of coherence in planning and implementation and has made monitoring and oversight of government’s programme difficult”. The consequence has been non optimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and employment.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 4: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title :A survey into the municipal water by‐laws and its application in terms of improving the water services environment.
ToR ID : 1009850
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by‐laws, for particular subject areas. These by‐laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation. By‐laws are laws that are passed by the council of a municipality to regulate the affairs and the services the municipality provides in its area of jurisdiction. A municipality derives the power to pass a by‐law from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which gives specified powers and competencies to local government as set out in Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5. By‐laws are laws managed by municipalities.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 1: smart water supply management.
Title : Scoping study to transition Municipalities into a smart water management model within the current legislation environment.
ToR ID : 1009849
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Smart Water Management (SWM) is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide real‐time, automated data for use in resolving water challenges. SWM can be used for planning and operational purposes, from daily use to organisational and policy planning at a range of scales, across contexts and regions. SWM enables governments, industries and utilities from around the world to integrate smart principles (using ICT) into their urban, regional and national strategies. The potential application of smart systems in water management is wide and by applying SWM infrastructure real‐time solutions can be implemented and broader networks can work together to reduce current water management challenges.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 2: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 1: smart water supply management.
Title : Exploring next generation water loss tracking, compliance, management and performance solutions.
ToR ID : 1009848
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system management for decades to come.
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KSA 1: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 2: Policy, science, and implementation.
Title : Mobilising knowledge and capacity to support ongoing water law reform in South Africa.
ToR ID : 1009841
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Review the state of capacity and knowledge on water law, together with identification of gaps and needs, to renew attention on water law as an essential field of research, training and practice
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KSA 1: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 3: Water resources and ecosystem protection and utilization.
Programme 1: Resource directed measures
Title : Ecological infrastructure‐climate change and economy nexus through revised present ecological state (PES) lens.
ToR ID : 1009842
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The research has followed silo approach in most cases, where Ecological infrastructure, or resilience to climate change, green economy are not thought and dealt with as a complex, yet they are inter-dependent as in a nexus. The country is missing the state of water resources report, particularly on water quality. Present Ecological State (PES) has the ability to generate this, provided the decade old PES is reviewed and enhanced with latest scientific advancement such as the ecological infrastructure, climate change and economy in a nexus. Therefore the overall aim of this call is to develop a decision support framework that brings the real world of socio-ecological complexity through integrating the economic development demands and impacts of climate change on water resources health.
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KSA :Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : 1. Water sensitive and resilient settlements
Programme 1: Smart water supply management
Title : Smart water metering, trends, opportunities, risks and policy.
ToR ID : 1009847
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system management for decades to come.
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KSA : KSA 7 Corporate Services (Falling under Shaficks area)
Thrust : Sustainable capacity building of the water sector
Programme : WRC Water Academy
Title : Investigating, Developing and Implementing a WRC Academy from Conceptualisation to Pilot Phase.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Emelda Pillay <emeldap@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 25 June 2021

Brief description of ToR
The Water Research Commission established through the Water Research Act, has the primary function
of achieving highly informed water decision-making through science and technology at all levels in all
stakeholders’ groups and innovative water solutions through research and development for South Africa
and the world. This purpose is envisioned to be implemented through the following key activities:
- Promote coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research and
development.
- Establish water research needs and priorities.
- Stimulate and fund water research according to priority.
- Promote the effective transfer of information and technology.
- Enhance knowledge and capacity building within the water sector.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust :
Programme: National Siltation Strategy
Title : Development of a Pilot Implementation Plan
ToR ID : 1009837
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane < lesegog@wrc.org.za >
Closing Date: 5 May 2021

South Africa like a number of countries around the world relies heavily on dams to provide essential bulk water supply to its population. Despite extreme climate change events most surface water bodies can naturally regulate their input and output loads of sediment. The construction of dams disrupts normal surface water and sediment flow, leading to sediment being trapped in dams unavailable for essential downstream ecosystem functioning, erosion and ultimately resulting in a reduction in storage capacity of dams over time. Increasingly sediment removal from dams through dredging is seen as a potential way in which to regain lost storage capacity.
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KSA 30: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme : Cooperative governance for water resource management
Title : Participatory course to activate water pricing learning networks
ToR ID :1009836
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 17 May 2021

Brief description of ToR
The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project (EI4WS) is executed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This five-year project, focuses on improving water security by integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into planning, finance and development in the water sector. The Water Research Commission (WRC) is responsible for implementation of a component of EI4WS of social learning, credible evidence and knowledge management. It has been determined in South Africa, as in most countries, that water pricing is complex - with multiple tiers of pricing, multiple tariffs within each tier and numerous institutions playing a role. There is a need within many of these institutions, especially decision makers and EI4WS project partners to strengthen understanding of the governance arrangements, processes and theory underlying water pricing and economic regulation in order to be able to engage effectively with the concepts and language used in pricing strategies, research reports,
and policy-making and tariff-setting processes. Experience through the EI4WS and other projects has shown that many of the actors who engage with
different water pricing processes have an incomplete understanding of the theory and practice.
A strengthened network of water pricing learning would enable participants to collectively develop understanding of the theory underpinning water pricing and its expression within the particular context of South African policy and law. Using their understanding of the current water pricing regime, including its strengths and weaknesses, participants will be empowered to re-imagine future possibilities. This in turn will enable participants to engage capably with both the further development of policy and strategy relevant to water pricing in South Africa (e.g. the pricing strategy for raw water use charges), and consultation processes undertaken by various authorities to revise water tariffs.
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KSA 1&2: Water Resource Management and Ecosystem
Title : TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE DIRECTED MEASURES (GRDM) METHODOLOGY UPDATE; SOFTWARE ENHANCEMENTS AND TRAINING
Contact Person: Mr Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>, Ms Gerda Kruger <gerdak@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 12 February 2021

Total Funds Available: R4 000 000 (vat incl)
Year 1: R1 500 000
Year 2: R2 000 000
Year 3: R500 000

Chapter 3 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA) focuses on the protection of South Africa’s water resources. This is meant to ensure that water is available for current and future use. Protection therefore involves the sustaining of a certain quantity and quality of water to maintain the overall ecological functioning of rivers, wetlands, estuaries and groundwater.
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Business Unit KSA22: Water RDI Roadmap CIU
Thrust: Student Funding
Title: WRC/DEA/DSI OPPORTUNITY: Water RDI Roadmap 2020 Postgraduate Student Bursary Call

Contact Person: For enquiries, please contact Sarah Ravhudzulo, Water RDI Roadmap Coordinator: SarahR@wrc.org.za or Shanna Nienaber, Water RDI Roadmap Manager: ShannaN@wrc.org.za
Open Date: 09 September 2020
Closing Date: 11 October 2020
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Business Unit KSA 15: Water Technologies Demonstration
Thrust: 4
Title: Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges, addressing water access and provision during the COVID 19 Pandemic

Contact Person: Dr Manjusha Sunil on manjushas@wrc.org.za and Ms Klariska Moodley on acceleratorlabs.za@undp.org
Open Date: 07 August 2020
Closing Date: 03 September 2020
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Development of Municipal guidelines for the selection of sanitation packaged plants, non-sewered sanitation and other alternative sanitation solutions municipalities
Business Unit KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust THRUST 3: Business Development
Programme Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Development of Municipal guidelines for the selection of sanitation packaged plants, non-sewered sanitation and other alternative sanitation solutions municipalities
ToR ID : 1009805
Contact Person : Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 02 October 2020

Brief description of ToR :
Local governments in South Africa are mandated by the Constitution to provide water and sanitation services limited to potable water supply systems and domestic wastewater and sewage disposal. This obligation is outlined in the Water Services Act and the Municipal Systems Act. While there are various intersections and support provided by other structures of governments such as the national government through several national departments and various regional and provincial bodies, municipalities remain at the coalface of the delivery of sanitation services to the end-user.
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Evaluation and assessment of Dry Sanitation Systems
Business Unit KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust THRUST 3: Business Development
Programme Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Evaluation and assessment of Dry Sanitation Systems
ToR ID : 1009821
Contact Person : Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 02 October 2020

Brief description of ToR :
The world’s six billion people produce over a million tons of faeces daily (Peasey 2000). Human waste collection, transportation, treatment, and safe disposal is essential to maintaining hygiene and preventing transmission of diseases through the faecal-oral route. Sanitation systems can be broadly classified into waterborne and dry sanitation systems. The former refers to systems that requires water to function while the later does not. While waterborne sanitation is perceived as the gold standards and usually preferred to dry sanitation systems, the reliance on water in view of water stress and climate change considerations makes this option unsustainable.
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Water YECP Advert_September 2019 Final
Water YECP EOI Template_Round 2_September 2019
Closing Date: 18 October 2019
Title : Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (A partnership between the Department of Science and Innovation and the Water Research Commission)
Contact Person: Mrs Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

The Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitable candidates in response to the annual WADER Young Engineers “Changemakers” Programme (YECP) Open Call which focuses on selecting young South African Engineers to be part of a 1-year training programme that will enable them to gain the necessary skills to drive municipalities of the future.
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KSA : 3 Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Title : Scoping study to explore hydro potential in the in the nearby vicinity of Baakens river and the lake
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 November 2021

Brief description of ToR
The objective is to evaluate the hydro potential (mega, micro and pico) in the vicinity of Baakens river and the lake of the jurisdiction of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
area to assist in harnessing all available energy resources in complimenting energy requirements to improve long term energy sustainability.
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Supporting social learning and knowledge management within the Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project
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The Implementation of the Integrated Algal Pond System at Barberton in Mbombela Municipality
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My role in mitigating the impacts of drought: Lessons from the Western Cape through a video for all stakeholders
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The status of wastewater as an untapped resource in South Africa
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KSA 9
Thrust 3 - Business Development
Programme 2 - Impact Expansion
ToR ID - 1009760
Title:Market Analysis: Determining the extent and potential of a water to energy market in South Africa (waste and small/micro hydro)
Closing Date : 15 May 2019 Extended from the previous call on FMS
Contact Person:
- Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Mr Bennie Mokgonyana benniem@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

Global reports approximate the waste to energy market value at USD 28.43 billion in 2017 towards an expected USD 42.74 billion by 2025. The Waste Water Treatment to Energy (WWTtE) market saw capital and operational investments of USD 531 million in 2017. When considering that wastewater is a carrier of over 50% of waste resources that is either lost or unrecovered as materials, energy and water, why is this circular opportunity not being taken up? The City of Cape Town working with New Horizon Energy saw a R400 million waste-to-energy investment project, that was upfront deemed viable, put on hold. What are the blockages and pathways to market being missed by current research?
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KSA 9
ToR ID - 1009761
Title: Market Analysis: Determining the extent and potential of a Water-Smart Agriculture market in South Africa
Closing Date : 15 May 2019 Extended from the previous call on FMS
Contact Person:
- Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Ms Sandra Fritz sandraf@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

The Agricultural sector in South Africa contributes approximately 3% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and plays a significant role for employment and job creation. The sector is dependent on approximately 63% of the countries water allocation. Variable rainfall patterns not only affects dam and surface water but also groundwater recharge. Rising temperatures, climate change and droughts have serious long-term consequences for South Africa’s food security. When coupled with the growing impacts on the quality of our water sources due to e.g. pollution from agricultural run-off, South Africa requires a focused approach to shifting the sector to more sustainable practices.
In a water stressed South Africa, conventional agricultural practices such as irrigation, mitigation of production losses and yield improvement continue to exacerbate detrimental environmental effects and water constraints in South Africa. Studies have shown that there is an increasing interest in agricultural innovation by investors in response to the state of water in South Africa. Reducing pollution and soil degradation, improved information systems, models and rolling out of water efficiency technologies for irrigation are emerging as key opportunities for sustainable farming. As much as fruit and wine farmers are embedding sustainable and water efficient practices and technologies into their operations, the potential size and focus of a Water Smart Agriculture (WSA) market in South Africa requires crucial consideration.

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KEY STRATEGIC AREA (KSA) 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture
THRUST 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
PROGRAMME 1: Sustainable water – based agricultural activities in rural areas communities
Title: WEF Nexus Project
ToR ID : 1009762

Closing Date : 15 May 2019
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KSA 1-2
ToR ID - 1009779
Title: Revision of the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Development of risk-based approach using aquatic ecosystems responses
Closing Date : 29 June 2019
Contact Person:
- Mr Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Ms Penny Jaca pennyj@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

To review and develop an electronic based decision support system (software) able to provide
both site-specific and generic risk-based water quality guidelines for South African aquatic
ecosystems
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KSA 03
ToR ID - 1009778
Closing Date : 29 June 2019
Contact Person:-
Email Subject Title: Revision of the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Volume 3 - Industrial Water Use

Email Queries
Scientific : johnz@wrc.org.za
Administration: benniem@wrc.org.za

To revise the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Volume 3 – Industrial Water Use and
develop a software-based decision support system able to provide both site-specific and generic
risk-based South African water quality guidelines for industrial water use.
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Closing Date : 15 June
Title: Understanding the Policy and Regulatory Barriers for Water and Sanitation RDI Implementation in South Africa
Contact : Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za

To examine and provide insight to the policy and regulatory factors and barriers for water sector RDI uptake in South Africa
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Title: Quantities and Quality of Poop and Pee in School Sanitation Facilities
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009783
Closing Date : 01 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

Rural school sanitation has in the recent years been under the spotlight due to unfortunate incidents of school
learners falling into latrine structures. Research produced by the WRC has shown the challenge to be linked to
deficiencies in sanitation infrastructure management, limited technical options for rural schools which are largely
confined to dry, latrine toilets, and user behavior challenges. In response to challenges experienced with school
latrine toilets, President Cyril Ramaphosa requested an audit of school sanitation infrastructure.
The audit revealed that there are 3 898 schools that require appropriate sanitation interventions.
To address this challenge, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the “Sanitation Appropriate for Education” (SAFE) initiative
that aims to replace latrine structures with new models that take into account the joint water-energy constraints.
New engineering approaches would need to be guided by data that define the operational limitations for rural school sanitation.
The WRC has identified a knowledge gap in this regard and this project aims to provide a combination of observational
data coupled with empirical research to understand the relationships that can inform the development of new school
sanitation options.

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Title: Guidelines for the Utilisation and Disposal of Faecal Sludge: Requirements for the Collection and Subsequent Disposal or Valorisatiion of Faecal Sludges
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009782
Closing Date : 01 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

To develop Guidelines for Faecal Sludge Collection and subsequent Disposal or Valorisation that regulatory authorities,
managers and practitioners responsible for faecal sludge management can easily understand and incorporate as part of
their service provision operations.

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Title: Understanding bound water content and water binding strength in Faecal Sludge from on-site sanitation technologies and human faeces
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009781
Closing Date : 1 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The understanding of faecal sludge dewatering and drying behaviour remains a major bottleneck in the cost-efficiency
of current faecal sludge beneficiation technologies.
This project seeks to address two challenges in parallel; i) provide insight to the scientific processes that limit
faecal sludge dewatering and drying processes, with emphasis of water binding in faecal sludges, and ii) to develop
appropriate techniques and methodology to scientifically evaluate water binding in faecal sludges.
It is envisaged that the research will result in following benefits. First, it will provide process optimization for
volume and mass reduction which can reduce the cost of transport and subsequent treatment. Second, sludge that is
processed with a low moisture content and significant organic content can be repurposed into biofuel. And lastly,
the research will result in the development of standardized methods for faecal sludge characterization.

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Title: SASTEP Field-testing Guideline
KSA 9
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP
Closing Date : 16 August 2019
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The South African Sanitation Technology Evaluation Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to proper sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the country’s GDP

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Title: Terms of Reference for the development of policy and technical awareness materials and guidelines for SANS/ISO 30500 and ISO 24521
KSA 9 Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP

Title : Development of policy and technical awareness materials and guidelines for SANS/ISO 30500 and ISO 24521
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The South African Sanitation Technology Evaluation Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to proper sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the country’s GDP.

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Title: Market Research Study
KSA 9
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP
Title : Market Research Study: Determining the opportunity and feasibility of innovative sanitation market (sanitation economy) in South Africa.
Contact Person: Ms Charmaine Twala charmainet@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
Closing Date: 12:00pm, 30 August 2019

The South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) entered into a partnership agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and The South African Water Research Commission (WRC) to pilot, demonstrate and commercialise innovative sanitation technologies, including the “Reinvent the toilet” technologies developed through the BMGF, within the framework of South African Sanitation Technology Demonstration Programme (SASTEP). The WRC provides programme implementation and support services, whilst the DST and the BMGF provide investment to support the implementation of the programme. SASTEP requires a multi- stakeholder approach that involves research councils, universities, municipalities, government departments, funders and commercial partners to ensure that the sanitation innovation value chain is developed in support of the roll out of next generation sanitation technologies. The programme activities are aligned to the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board commercial partners capable to provide industrial support base for the local and regional markets and disrupt where appropriate the current paradigm of water conveyance based infrastructure leading to a more water secure future

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Title: Evaluation and Development of a Business Case for the Water Innovations Company
KSA 9
ToR ID : 1009790
Closing Date : 10 January 2019
* Technical queries Valerie Naidoo valerien@wrc.org.za
* Administrative queries Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

The study is aimed at evaluating and developing a business case for a water innovations company. This demands a focus on:
The core customers for the Water Innovations Company,
The value proposition
The cost structure, and potential revenue and business models
Key strategic partners and their willingness to pay for the services
Skills and capability requirements within the recommended operating environment
The governance model of the company
The enabling and/or disabling legislative environment to enable the company to be fully operative
The competitive environment
A roadmap for implementation

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Title: Cross-sectoral PhD tracing study
KSA number: 1&2
ToR ID: 1009785
Closing Date: 27 September 2019
Contact person
Scientific queries: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Administrative queries: Penny Jaca pennyj@wrc.org.za

The training of doctoral students is a long and costly endeavor. The question of the return on investment on such long education and training endeavours is a policy concern from the public funders of education. Doctoral graduates are considered the best qualified for creating, implementing and disseminating new knowledge and innovation, and therefore information about the socioeconomic impact of their training is essential in knowledge-based and complex economies. This study aims to generate some of this information by tracing the mobility, career paths and other attributes of a representative sample of PhD graduates from South African universities across a range of sectors and disciplines.
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Title : Review of the 2020 vision for Water and Sanitation education programme
Advert review of the VfWSEP FINAL JAN 2020
KSA number 26
ToR ID : 1009791
Closing Date : 14 February 2020
Contact person : hlengiwec@wrc.org.za

Programme review - The department of water and sanitation 2020 vision for water and sanitation education programme (2020 VfWSEP)
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Title: Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 6: Water Resources innovation and Technologies
Programme P4: Models and early warning systems
Title : Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
Contact Person: Mr. Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 29 February 2020

Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
chitosan-based adsorbents nanotechnology
To develop a monitoring network as a citizen scientists tool for early detection of disasters related to changing
weather and climate in order mitigate their impacts on livelihood
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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS FACILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Business model canvas facilitation and development
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 17 April 2020

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is a national coordination programme implemented by the Water Research Commission and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). SASTEP aims to create a new sanitation industry through the development, demonstration and commercialisation of innovative sanitation technologies. The programme activities are aligned to the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board commercial partners capable to provide industrial support base for the local and regional markets and disrupt where appropriate the current paradigm of water conveyance based infrastructure leading to a more water secure future. The programme is aligned to the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) strategy to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board capable commercial partners to provide an industrial support base for the local and regional markets. The intent of the programme is to support and accelerate the application and uptake of the new sanitation technologies through demonstration, testing and science-based improvements towards localisation and industrialisation.

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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE SCANNING, TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROTOCOL FOR LOW FLUSH TOILET PEDSTAL
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Scanning, testing and development of a quality assurance protocol for low flush toilet pedstal
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 March 2020

• Scanning, identifying and compiling a compendium of commercially available and developmental stage low flush toilets available in South Africa
• Sub-categorization of available low flush toilet technologies such as water based, vacuum, low suction types etc.
• Development of general requirements, technical requirements, specifications, performance testing and other protocols that can form the basis for the standardization of low flush toilet technologies
• Application of the developed requirements, specification and testing protocol listed above on commercially and developmental available low flush toilets
• Determining the impact of low flush on water consumption at the household and municipal level
• Determine the impact of low flush toilet on piping and plumbing within the boundaries of the household and on the municipal reticulation system
• Provide, through a case study on a chosen area, the impact of low flush on household water use, sewage volumes and the downstream wastewater treatment plant

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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW OF POLICIES, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND BYLAWS LOW FLUSH / WATER EFFICIENT TOILETS
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Desktop review of policies, regulations, standards and bylaws low flush / water efficient toilets
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 March 2020

The recent drought in Cape Town served as a warning to not only south Africa but to other nations on the need to have a proactive and sustainable water resource management strategy. The Cape Town drought embodied the country’s vulnerability to climate change and dwindling water resources. This problem is however not unique to the Western Cape as drought conditions have been reported across the country in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo. The impact of the drought, climate change and dwindling water resources in the country is further exacerbated by the excessive and unsustainable use by end-users, leaks and poor resource management. South Africa consumes up to 250 litres per capita per day compared to a world average of 180 litres per capita per day (Heeden & Cilliers, 2014). A move towards water sensitive cities and settlements is an imperative and water conservancy technology is therefore an important tool in the water demand management toolbox to minimize adverse impact on the economy and well-being of society. It has further advantage of delaying capital expenditure for larger supply systems required to meet demands due to high rate pf urban migration.
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Title: Cyber governance in the water sector - final March 2020
KSA : Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 1: Water services – institutional and management issues
Programme 3: Institutional and management issues
Title : Cyber governance in the water sector - final March 2020
ToR ID : 1009801
Contact Person: Dr. Nonhlanhla Kalebaila nonhlanhlak@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 May 2020

Increasing population coupled to the envisaged economic growth and development mean that the delivery of basic services will become indispensable and more challenging. As a result, governments and constituent entities are embracing digitalization to support the provision of basic services to all citizens and simultaneously improving operational efficiencies and reducing the costs to offer such services. These developments are highly relevant to the water and sanitation sector, in particular, for the South African environment characterised by scarce water resources and increasing demand for water for sustainable development, against deteriorating water quality, water losses and other operational inefficiencies negatively affecting water services delivery.
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Branch : Research and Development
Impact Area: Water quality and health
Programme 3: Institutional and management issues
Title : Expression of interest (EOI) call for a national programme for monitoring covid-19 spread in communities using a water and sanitation-based approach
ToR ID : 1009803
Contact Email Address covid19@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 01 June 2020

The current Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation
(WHO). COVID-19 is caused by the novel zoonotic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that was isolated in Wuhan, China
in January 2020. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of Coronavirus whose members include SARS-CoV and
MERS-CoV viruses that are responsible for outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle
East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
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Title: Ecosystem responses to the large scale use of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants
KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : 4 Environmental change
Programme : 4 Ecosystems risks and disaster management
Title : Ecosystem responses to the large scale use of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Time Frame: 36 Months

The aim of the study will be to generate knowledge critical to understand ecosystems responses and the risks of introducing disinfectant and anti-viral chemicals in large amounts (as is the current case with the current COVID-19 interventions) in aquatic ecosystems and biota, such as rivers, estuaries, springs, dams and wetlands
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Title: Valuation of Research, Development and Innovation by WRC’s stakeholders
KSA : KSA8
Thrust : Strategic Planning
Programme : Research and Development
Title : Valuation of Research, Development and Innovation by WRC’s stakeholders
Contact Person: Dr. Stanley Liphadzi stanleyl@wrc.org.za
Time Frame: July 2020 – July 2021

The WRC is a member of the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC). The GWRC members discuss,
engage, and initiate projects that advance Research, Development and Innovation in water and
sanitation which address common challenges or interests. In the previous meetings of the GWRC,
members agreed to initiate several research projects. The project about “Valuation of water research
and Innovation” is one the projects that the WRC expressed interest to participate in. Our participation
as the WRC requires us to initiate a case study focusing on South Africa (involving our key stakeholders).
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Title: Developing a decision support system for estimating the water use and water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the Inkomati – Usuthu Water Management Area (WMA)
KSA : Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust : 1 Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production
Programme : 1 Water – efficient production methods in relation to soil, crops and technology in rain – fed and irrigation agriculture.
Title : Developing a decision support system for estimating the water use and water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the Inkomati – Usuthu Water Management Area (WMA)
Contact Person: Prof Sylvester Mpandeli sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 30 June 2020

To determine the water use, yield and quality of selected crops such as Banana; Mango, Litchis, Sugarcane, and Citrus from planting to full bearing in selected climatic zones and specific soils in the WMA.
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Title: The Benefits of Industrial Design for Sanitation Technology Development and Transfer
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : SASTEP
Programme : SASTEP
Title : The Benefits of Industrial Design for Sanitation Technology Development and Transfer
ToR ID : 1009806
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 03 August 2020

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative driven by the Water Research Commission (WRC) to foster the commercialisation and uptake of next-generation sanitation solutions and technologies. The programme coordinates the national system of innovation (NSI) around next-generation sanitation technologies. The programme is working with both local and international technology innovators and providing a platform to assist them with the commercialization of their respective technologies. The SASTEP initiative provides a platform to assist these innovators and commercial partners matched with an innovator, with a platform to demonstrate their technology to ensure it is functional, safe and performs to requirement, and user acceptability.
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Title: Market entry study and scanning for potable pit emptying devices
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : Business Development
Programme : SASTEP
Title : Market entry study and scanning for potable pit emptying devices
ToR ID : 1009809
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2020

Pit latrines are one of the major types of sanitation technologies used in South Africa especially in rural, low income densely populated informal settlements and peri-urban areas. according to the white paper on Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (1994), adequate basic sanitation provision for a household is defined as one well-constructed Ventilated Improved Pit toilet (VIP) toilet. The 2018 General Household Survey issued by Statistics South Africa showed that 31% of South African households use a pit latrine.
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Title: Market entry study for decentralized wastewater treatment systems which are design according to low water, energy and carbon and recycling principles
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : Business Development
Programme : SASTEP
Title : Market entry study for decentralized wastewater treatment systems which are design according to low water, energy and carbon and recycling principles
ToR ID : 1009810
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2020

The health, social, and environmental benefits of improved sanitation are maximized when sanitation is planned for and provided in an integrated way with water supply and other municipal services. Traditionally, the default mechanism to achieve integrated planning and development for water and sanitation services is through municipality-driven integrated development. This approach often favors centralized, high capex infrastructure approach which is beyond the reach of many developmental states.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust: Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme: Cooperative governance for water resource management
Title: Participatory course to activate Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security learning networks
ToR ID: 1009817
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 2 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project (EI4WS) is executed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This five-year project, focuses on improving water security by integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into planning, finance and development in the water sector. The Water Research Commission (WRC) is responsible for implementation of a component of EI4WS aimed at improving the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into the water value chain through social learning, credible evidence and knowledge management. The approach taken in component 3 is guided by a Social Learning and Knowledge Management (SLKM) strategy that was developed with stakeholders and partners. The work envisaged in these terms of reference will respond to the recommendations of the strategy and partner with existing initiatives highlighted as important.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust: Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme: Gender and Equity
Title: Strengthening the knowledge base and capacity to support the transformation of Irrigation Boards to Water User Associations
ToR ID: 1009811
Contact Person: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 2 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The National Water Act envisaged that the numerous Irrigation Boards established under previous legislation would cease to exist, being disestablished or converted into Water User Associations (WUAs) soon after the Act came into effect. To date, however, numerous Irrigation Boards have still to be transformed into WUAs and aligned to the core objectives of the Act. The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has now revived the stalled transformation process. This research project will support this process, by consolidating and expanding the knowledge base on the transformation of Irrigation Boards to WUAs, and facilitating the inclusion of this knowledge in relevant transformation processes. This will include undertaking two detailed case studies in the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area in the Western Cape.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP4 - Training and Capacity Development
ToR ID: 1009814
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Virginia Molose virginiam@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The main objective of this project will be an empowered new cohort of skilled professionals and citizens to enhance and improve the efficiency of dam siltation management. The development of a Siltation management strategy for dams in South Africa will provide a new framework, models and protocols to manage dam siltation in a holistic manner. The multi-disciplinary and sector approaches will provide the opportunity to simultaneously develop new skills, learning materials and create a community of practitioners. Training and capacity development that is inclusive of experienced dam managers, young professionals identified as potential successors (supporting, but not limited to, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Learning Academy trainee engineers, scientists and technicians), Catchment Management Agencies, as well as local community representatives, will contribute to better long-term dam siltation management. Embedded training and capacity development will enable organisations and individuals to adapt to the technological changes and challenges by effectively adopting new ways of managing siltation in rivers.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP3 - Sustainable Dredging of Dams
ToR ID: 1009816
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa euniceuj@wrc.org.za
Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The main objective of this project will be to develop a sustainable dam dredging model and protocols for a variety of “learning” dams and contexts. Dams and reservoirs inevitably face the problem of sedimentation accumulation over time which leads to the loss of capacity to store water and the potential effects on the structural integrity. Dam sedimentation leads to clogging, disruption of the sediment balance, and the increasing accumulation of polluted sediments. Historically, sediment management strategies have included constructing sediment traps, raising the dam or building of a new dam BUT this does not solve the sedimentation accumulation in the dam. Therefore, an alternative strategy is to remove the sediment from the dam by dredging. Dredging will lead to the increase in the water storage volume, enhance the water quality and remove contaminated material. However, dredging of dams is a costly exercise and must be well considered. Prevention of sediment inflows will be key to the implementation of any successful dam rehabilitation plan. However, in many cases we do not have the option of developing new dam infrastructure. Dredged sediment quality might be compromised due to sediment contamination with hazardous concentrations of substances both chemical and biological in nature. Considerations as to when to dredge, how to dredge and with what dredging equipment, and what to use the dredged sediment for need to be based on an efficient sediment quality monitoring system, hazardous waste methodology as well as a health risk assessment protocols derived for the intended use of the sediment (on land use or return to the surface water body).
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP2 - Dam engineering and socio-ecological systems
ToR ID: 1009812
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The most cost-effective means to manage dam siltation is through smart infrastructure and catchment interventions. In the South African context, while both engineering and catchment approaches are reasonably well developed to varying degrees in their own right, there is a less well developed body of knowledge and practice around integrating these in order to enable a holistic, optimized grey-green infrastructure approach with clearly defined costs and benefits. A multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach is required to operationalize the integrated management of land and water, by utilising expertise from engineers, planners, economists, social and natural scientists, and citizen scientists. The aim of this project will be to generate and test tools that will enable the alleviation of dam siltation through optimized catchment management as well as dam engineering methodologies (e.g. integrating both ecological and built infrastructure) and innovations.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP1 - Siltation Management Strategy
ToR ID: 1009813
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za
Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The aim of the strategy is to build on previous initiatives and recommendations and investigate new and improved methodologies and practices for key entities to drive management, improvement and implementation of a siltation management strategy for State dams. This will include Siltation Management related to Dam Basin Management and Catchment Management dependencies or activities. The strategy development process will provide a situational analysis, engage a broad range of stakeholders, map the drivers and challenges linked to potential solutions , and provide an up to date state of dam siltation management in South Africa. Further primary data collection will be required to complement that of the DWS databases and modelled to identify siltation prone areas, siltation rates, load and quality characteristics amongst others. This will result in a framework for dam storage design and management. International partners will be included and global
practises will be benchmarked to review current management practices. Key to the strategy development is the development of the relevant tools, models, frameworks, protocols, guides and plans to assist with the implementation and monitoring of the strategy
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Business Unit KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust THRUST 1: WATER SERVICES – INSTITUTIONAL AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Programme Programme 2: Institutional and management issues - Water services
Title Independent water production and producers in South Africa
ToR ID 1009818
Contact Person Jay Bhagwan jbhagwan@wrc.org.za
Closing Date 31 July 2020

Brief description of ToR :
The objective of this study is to determine the role and function of the concept of independent water production and independent water producers (IWP) in the South Africa water legislative environment.
In his SONA 200 address the President indicated the aspect of independent water production and by implication the establishment of IWP as a mechanism to deal with water challenges. This is a fairly new concept for the South African water sector and institutional environment, which has not been well researched and analyzed, or utilized. Global experience from the situation of the low-income and poor urban communities highlights the importance of this type of private sector involvement in water and sanitation delivery. Until now, little work has been done to understand or to develop the capacity of the alternative production and providers, since their activity was perceived as a temporary and marginal solution.
It is therefore important to deepen our understanding of the operating environment and incentives faced by independent water production and producers so that we can mainstream such opportunities to the benefit of our processes and program.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND ADAPTATION
Programme P4: Environmental risk and disaster management
Title : Post-drought and emergency interventions: Towards higher water security
ToR ID : 1009822
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 27 October 2020

This primary objective of this study will focus on assessing the responses of institutions to recent and on-going drought spells as well as other emergency interventions. This is to enable the development of strategic capabilities within institutions charged with water security and resilience.
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KSA : DSI Innovation Partnership for Rural Development Programme
Thrust N/A
Programme N/A
Title : The Implementation of the Integrated Algal Pond System at Barberton, Mbombela Municipality
ToR ID : 1009823
Contact Person: Dr John Zvimba johnz@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 30 November 2020

This research study is divided into two phases. Phase one aims to investigate the feasibility for biogas recovery, water and biomass reuse potential in support of community gardens post implementation of a demonstration Integrated Algal Pond System (IAPS). The feasibility study outcomes will inform any required skills transfer activities in support of operations and maintenance of IAPS within South African municipalities. The second phase focuses on the construction of an IAPS demonstration plant at the Barberton wastewater treatment works (WWTW) as part of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) funded Innovation Partnership for Rural Development Programme (IPRDP).
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Assessment, evaluation, and market entry study for incineration household toilet units
Contact Person: Akin Akinsete <akina@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 11 November 2020

Incineration toilet is a dry sanitation system that uses an energy source to burn collected human faeces, reducing it to pathogen-free ash. Incinerating toilets may be powered by electricity, gas, charcoal, biochar, or other energy sources. The human waste is collected within the unit, in an integral ashpan and then incinerated. Some incineration toilets are designed to incinerate "grey water" from showers and sinks. Incinerator toilets were originally designed to replace outhouses in residential areas that lack waste management, power, or water facilities.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 4: Saniti
Programme COVID-19
Title : Development of a framework for water quality-based COVID-19 Epidemiology Surveillance for Non-Sewered Communities
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay – sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 13 November 2020

The infectious Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main transmission route of the virus appears to be through respiratory drops from infected individuals and direct contact with surfaces that have a viable virus. Scientific evidence from around the world has shown that both the viable virus and remnants (genetic material) can also be detected in the human faecal waste of some infected individuals. This knowledge has been applied to develop a complementary wastewater-based COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance tool.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture
Thrust 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
Programme 2: Integrated water management for profitable farming systems
Title : Enhancing water and food security through improved agricultural water productivity: new knowledge, innovations, and applications
ToR ID : 1009826
Contact Person: Sylvester Mpandeli - sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 15 December 2020

The general aim is to edit a book that provides a synthesis of existing knowledge, case studies and best practices related to agricultural water use and water productivity from the global South and other key global regions
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KSA 9: (Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
Programme 2: (Capacity building and training programmes)
Title : Developing and Piloting the Water Graduate Employment Programme for Unemployed Graduates
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 27 November 2020

According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA 2020), Youth account for 63% of unemployed persons in South Africa with an unemployment rate of 43%. Amongst this percentage are unemployed graduates with an unemployment rate of 33%. Investing in employment pathways and platforms for unemployed graduates is central to firstly, building on past education investments and secondly, creating economic buffers that support New and Just Transitions. The National System of Innovation (NSI) framework and the Master Plans, aimed at economic recovery, raise these key factors and the need for inclusive socio-economic development. The vulnerability of unemployed graduates in the South African labour market cannot go unaddressed and should be viewed as a key initiative within South Africa’s Economic Recovery Plan.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 2: Impact Expansion
Title : Improving the sustainability of social-ecological innovations applied in the water sector to enhance water securityContact Person: Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 04 December 2020

Social-ecological innovation is defined as social and process innovations that create new concepts, strategies, ideas, organisations and institutions that are able to enhance the capacity of social-ecological systems that generate essential ecosystem services (Stockholm Resilience, 2018). It has been noted over time that innovation is not always for the better, in opposition with sustainable futures and safeguarding equitable human development.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 2: Impact Expansion
Title : Water innovations market demand analysis in the mining sector
Contact Person: Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 04 December 2020

The mining industry has for many decades contributed significantly to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this is at an externalised environmental cost including negative impacts on surface and groundwater, poor waste management, acid mine water formation and ecological degradation. Section 28 of the MPRDA imposes full rehabilitation of the mining area on the mine owner; whilst the National Water Act requires that mine owners cease, modify, comply, eliminate and remedy pollution impacts on water resources.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 4: Saniti
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title : Strategies to recover resources from sanitation waste: Developing
a national sanitation resource recovery policy based on material
flows (quantity and quality)
ToR ID : 1009831
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 18 January 2021
Total Funds Available: R1 500 000.00 (Year 1: R500,000, Year 2: R500,000, Year 3: R500,000)

Many cities are not considered sustainable as they do not utilise resources efficiently. There is a desire to
transform from linear take-use-dispose consumption of goods and services towards circular economy
principles of reducing, reusing and recycling. The generation and subsequent safe treatment of sanitation
waste is an integral part of city planning. The sanitation supply chain is critical aspect of the urban water
chain and offers several opportunities to recover resources and the close the resource loop in towns and
cities. Under conditions of limited natural resources, population growth and rapidly urbanizing populations,
a paradigm shift may be required that considers sanitation waste as a resource with potential for material
and energy recovery. Opportunities are available for water, organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy
metals, and energy recovery
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The Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
are launching the Water Seed Fund of up to R200,000 per project which will be made available for
innovation-oriented projects conducted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in the water sector. The objective of the WRC TIA Water Seed Fund is to support
pre-seed and seed activities with the intention to develop innovations into next stage “investor fundable”
opportunities. With this funding, the WRC and TIA intend to increase the rate of commercialisation of
water-related intellectual property (IP) generated from South African research and development.

Due Date: 29 Jan 2021 for WRC - TIA Water Seed Fund Call for Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges
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The SmartSAN Grand Challenge aims to fund revolutionary sanitation ideas and concepts that, if having good potential, will be supported and accelerated across the innovation value chain to facilitate disruption of the current binary sanitation engineering paradigm. SmartSAN is focussed on the development of household or communal / residential sanitation systems. The perfect solution would be a toilet system that has a high user acceptance and is aspirational, offers user convenience, does not require sewers for functioning, and eliminates pathogens, sludge production and the need for constant water and energy supply while generation products and services of economic value. For Phase 1 of SMARTSAN, the WRC is seeking innovative and revolutionary ideas for treating human faecal waste in which proof-of-concept can be determined. This links below provide the details of the strategy and performance and design criteria specified to match the WRC’s vision of new sanitation.

Due Date: 18 Jan 2021 for submission of EOI
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Development of a gender intentionality strategy and framework for SASTEP
ToR ID :1009833
Contact Person: Akin Akinsente <akina@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 26 March 2021

Gender is a socially and culturally constructed ideas of what it is to be male or female in a specific context.
Intentionality means the fact of being deliberate or purposive on a particular issue. Gender intentionality
can therefore be loosely defined as the fact of being deliberate or purposive on gender issues. There is a
perception that gender intentionality is biased towards the female and exclusion of the male gender.
Gender intentional as opposed to gender neutrality is more inclusionary and takes a view of the diverse
needs of both genders. The interrogation of issues through a gender lens tends to result in better outcomes
for society as the needs, aspirations and rights of different groups are not taken for granted or glossed over
but actively examined to produce an inclusive outcome.
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KSA 35: Special Programme
Programme : PepsiCo Foundation / CAF America - Safe water network
Title : Demonstration of Pour Flush Latrines in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
ToR ID : 1009834
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay – sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 12 May 2021

The Pour Flush toilet developed through from funding from Water Research Commission (WRC) combines the advantages of both waterborne and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine systems while eliminating their disadvantages. It has been tried-and-tested in the field for more than 6-years now and the results to date indicate that this is an appropriate step up the sanitation ladder from the basic VIP. There is a need for more demonstration projects to be built over South Africa so that role players in the sanitation sector can see for themselves how the system works and can satisfy themselves that this is a reliable and sound option for the future.
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Title of call                           Supporting the implementation of non-consumptive water use charges in the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges

Theme                                    Water Use

ToR ID                                    1009977

Contact Person                   John Dini

Description                         The new Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges introduced a category of Non-Consumptive Use to allow for the water resource management costs associated with non-consumptive uses of water resources to be recovered. The assignment outlined in these terms of reference will contribute to enabling the implementation of these charges, with particular focus on renewable energy generation, recreation and aquaculture.

Closing Date         17 February 2025 16:00pm             

For enquiries, please contact: John Dini, Research Manager: Water Governance johnd@wrc.org.za

We look forward to receiving your applications!
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ToR Title: WRC corporate study to examine the changes to the tariffing processes on the WRC levy

Thrust: Strategic

Contact Persons: Gerda Kruger: gerdak@wrc.org.za

Opening Date: 18 October 2024

Closing Date : 10 November 2024

Background and Rationale

The WRC levy until now has been based on very ad-hoc arrangements due to the poor administration of the Water Licensing process and the DWS Trading Account. To knowledge, the only good determinants of data are from water Boards, which has becoming our key levy generating resource. The rest being paid ad hoc to us by the Department in a suitable arrangement over many years. To avoid the disruption.
Historically, the levy has been calculated on all water use/billed at a bulk water level and the growth in consumption also resulted in growth in our levy. However, the allocations have reached their peak and I believe that we will not see great spikes in the levy growth due to new water allocations. However, a process that started over 10 years ago to update the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges, the revised version has been approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation and Minister of Finance and was gazetted on 21 June 2024. The revised strategy will be effective from April 2025 and will be applicable to the water use charges for 2026/27 onwards.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

Click on the title to download the terms of reference for more information
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ToR Title: A situational analysis of alternative drinking water supplies in South Africa

THEMATIC AREA: WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH

Contact Persons: Charmaine Dladla: charmainek@wrc.org.za

Opening Date: 01 August 2024

Closing Date : 31 August 2024

Background and Rationale

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health. The constitution of South Africa bestows the executive power, and responsibility for the provision of such services to the public with Water Service Authorities (WSAs). The Water Services Act defines water service authorities as municipalities including districts or rural councils. To fulfill this vital function, water service authorities or intermediaries may work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations. For example, a water services authority may contract a water services provider or enter into a joint venture with an independent water services company for the provision of drinking water services. A water services intermediary is defined as any person or organisation who is obliged to provide water services to another in terms of a contract where the obligation to provide water services is incidental to the main object of the contract.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.
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ToR Title: Improving the water sustainability of the UMkhomazi Catchment area

KSA : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Thrust: Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme

Contact Persons: Vuyokazi Matiwana: vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 June 2024

Background and Rationale

The National Dam Siltation Management (NatSilt) Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.

The programme is implemented over 3 phases:

• Phase 1: Development of a draft dam Siltation Management Strategy   and related tools & models
• Phase 2: Piloting of the draft Strategy, tool and models
• Phase 3: Review and finalise the Strategy, tools and models

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.
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ToR Title: Evaluating the impact and post-pilot implementation of the NatSilt Programme

KSA : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Thrust: Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme

Contact Persons: Lesego Gaegane: lesegog@wrc.org.za ;  Vuyokazi Matiwana: vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 07 April 2024

Background and Rationale

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa. The programme is implemented over 3 phases: Phase 1: Development of a draft dam Siltation Management Strategy and related tools & models Phase 2: Piloting of the draft Strategy, tool and models Phase 3: Review and finalise the Strategy, tools and models The first phase has been completed, and we are currently implementing phases 2 and 3. There is a need to assess the success and outcomes of the pilot initiatives, along with the entire programme, by conducting a comprehensive Impact and Post Pilot implementation assessment. The assessment's objective is to offer useful insights, lessons learned, and recommendations. Additionally, it's essential to improve

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.
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ToR Title: Natsurv 19: Water and Wastewater Management in the Winery Industry (Edition 1)

KSA :  Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust: Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures
Programme : Programme 1: Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production

Contact Persons: John Zvimba: johnz@wrc.org.za ;  Bennie Mokgonyana: bennim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 23 Mar 2024
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ToR Title : A study into benchmarking of household and communal sanitation delivery costs in Municipalities

KSA :  Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : 3. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme : Programme 4: Water services institutional and management programme

Contact Person: nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 23 Feb 2024

TOR ID: 1009969

Brief description of ToR

o Water and sanitation services in municipalities are in serious decline across South Africa and citizens cannot rely on a safe and secure water services in many municipalities. When it comes to sanitation/wastewater the recent green drop trends in, and performance indicators show a very concerning situation where nearly sixty percent of wastewater systems not meeting compliance requirements for a variety of factors and challenges.

The specific objectives are:
• Develop an understanding and number of household sanitation systems per province and municipality and map against the settlement types (e.g. Chemical toilets, porta-porty, VIPs, Septic tanks, pour flush etc. and any of its derivatives)

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA/Business Unit : 3Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : Water Sensitive and Resilient Settlements
Programme : Programme 4: Water services institutional and management programme
ToR Title : Development of compulsory Water Services Providers operating license application and review system
ToR ID : 1009964
Contact Persons: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za or Charmaine Dladla charmained@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 January 2024

Brief description of ToR

• Develop a guideline of the WSP Licensing Application Process
  • Determination of key conditions and requirements for license application
• Develop a guideline on Review and analysis/assessment of applications (financial, technical, institutional)
• Develop a guideline on the ongoing management and operation of the licensing system
• Undertake detailed legal review of the license requirements and conditions to check that they are aligned to all Water, Municipal and Treasury legislation and regulations.
• Develop the communication and awareness materials to support the guidelines

Proposals must be submitted manually both in Word and pdf format to jayb@wrc.org.za and charmained@wrc.org.za, by 10 January 2024, 10.00hrs.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Click on the title below to download the TOR*

Design of a programme to support the validation and verification of existing lawful water use and compulsory licencing

KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems

Thrust: 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)

Programme: 2 (Policy, Science and Implementation)

Title of ToR

Design of a programme to support the validation and verification of existing lawful water use and compulsory licencing

ToR ID: 1009967

Contact Person: John Dini (johnd@wrc.org.za)

Closing date: 9 February 2024

Description

The WRC is working with the Department of Water and Sanitation to expedite the completion of the validation and verification of existing lawful water use nationally, and to use the Letaba and uMngeni catchments for further developing, applying and refining compulsory licencing approaches (as described in sections 43-48 of the National Water Act) that can be used countrywide. This work will be completed over three years, ending in November 2026. The scope of work outlined in these ToR focuses on the preparatory phase for this programme of work. It involves undertaking the research and planning necessary to design and scope the implementation phase.

Briefing session        

An optional briefing session will be held via Microsoft Teams from 10:00-11:00 on 26 January 2024. Details of how to connect are provided in the ToR.

Submit your proposals on our portal: https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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The specific objectives are:
To review and document water and wastewater management within the winery industry and generate the first edition of the Natsurv report for the South African winery industry.

Proposals must be submitted via email to the above-mentioned contacts. Click here for the proposal template
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The Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
are launching the Water Seed Fund of up to R200,000 per project which will be made available for
innovation-oriented projects conducted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in the water sector. The objective of the WRC TIA Water Seed Fund is to support
pre-seed and seed activities with the intention to develop innovations into next stage “investor fundable”
opportunities. With this funding, the WRC and TIA intend to increase the rate of commercialisation of
water-related intellectual property (IP) generated from South African research and development.

Due Date: 29 Jan 2021 for WRC - TIA Water Seed Fund Call for Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges

Download: EOI Call document

Download: EOI template
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The Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
are launching the Water Seed Fund of up to R200,000 per project which will be made available for
innovation-oriented projects conducted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in the water sector. The objective of the WRC TIA Water Seed Fund is to support
pre-seed and seed activities with the intention to develop innovations into next stage “investor fundable”
opportunities. With this funding, the WRC and TIA intend to increase the rate of commercialisation of
water-related intellectual property (IP) generated from South African research and development.

Due Date: 29 Jan 2021 for WRC - TIA Water Seed Fund Call for Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges

Download: EOI Call document

Download: EOI template
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KSA : 9 International & Stakeholder Engagement Unit
Programme : 23rd NSTF-South32 Awards.
Tile : The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) calls for nominations for the 23rd NSTF-South32 Awards.
Contact person : Dr Mamohloding Tlhagale- mamohlodingt@wrc.org.za
Closing date : 1st March 2021
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Expression of interest (EOI) call for a national programme for monitoring covid-19

Expression of interest (EOI) for consideration for appointment for the provision of laboratory services for the analysis of sars-cov-2 in water and sanitation samples

Branch : Research and Development
Impact Area: Water quality and health
Programme 3: Institutional and management issues
Title : Expression of interest (EOI) call for a national programme for monitoring covid-19 spread in communities using a water and sanitation-based approach
ToR ID : 1009803
Contact Email Address covid19@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 01 June 2020

The current Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation
(WHO). COVID-19 is caused by the novel zoonotic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that was isolated in Wuhan, China
in January 2020. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of Coronavirus whose members include SARS-CoV and
MERS-CoV viruses that are responsible for outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle
East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
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WADER Annual Water Accelerator Call

WRC WADER BMS Portal User Guide
Water Accelerator EOI Template

Contact
Email Subject Title: WADER Water Accelerator Proposal
Administrative queries: sarahr@wrc.org.za
Scientific queries: Dr Manjusha Sunil
Closing Date: 31 July 2019

The Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from
technology developers/vendors in response to the annual WADER Water Accelerator Call focusing on
technologies/solutions that would contribute to key objectives of the National Water Roadmap.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with the Water Research Commission
(WRC), has established WADER to pull together the applied research and development and commercialisation
stages of the water innovation continuum. Acting as an innovation intermediary, the Programme’s mission is
to facilitate high-level, collaborative technology demonstrators from the public and private sectors to maximise
the potential of the water innovation value chain.
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Development of Model by-laws for off grid, decentralized and non-swered sanitation solutions in Municipalities

KSA/Business Unit : KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation

Thrust:  Business Development

Programme: 4:13/31 SASTEP

ToR Title: Developing a set of model bylaws (norms and standards) for the implementation of off grid, decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions in municipalities (metropolitan, district and local)

ToR ID: 1009966

Contact Person: Phillip Majeke, phillipm@wrc.org.za

Closing Date: 02 February 2023

Brief description of ToR

The absence of comprehensive bylaws governing off-grid, decentralized, and non-sewered sanitation solutions in municipalities poses significant challenges to addressing the pressing sanitation needs in South Africa. In many cases municipalities are never consulted on new settlements, housing and other property development programs but end up carrying the burden of providing and/or regulating water services provision. The accountability for implementation sits with several different departments (national and local), but the regulatory power sits with the Water Services Authority (WSA).

Objectives

• Reviewing and aligning the national, provincial (norms and standards, policy, relevant regulatory frameworks) with local policy and regulatory frameworks for managing off grid, decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions in municipalities
  •Developing a set of model bylaws (norms and standards) for the implementation of off grid, decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions in South Africa
  •Communicating to municipalities and raising awareness of the model bylaws

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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EOI Call For A Panel of Experts for Water and Sanitation Projects_Final

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Panel of Experts to Support for Water and Sanitation Projects

To facilitate water and sanitation innovation demonstration evaluations as well as support post successful demonstration, the WRC is inviting applications from suitable candidates to be included in a panel of experts for a 3-year period to conduct technical and regulatory/policy evaluations, market and economic research/studies, business support, social development studies, water governance and water economics.

All applications must be submitted electronically before COB October 31, 2023 to Mr Alpheus Sebolaaneng, alpheuss@wrc.org.za. Any technical queries should be directed to SASTEP Commercialisation Manager, Mr. Phillip Majeke on phillipm@wrc.org.za 

Click on the title to access the document with more detail: Panel of Experts to Support for Water and Sanitation Projects

Click on the link to download the application form: Panel of Experts: Application

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2023 Call for Innovative Sanitation and Greywater Technologies

South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP): Open Call2023 Call for Innovative Sanitation and Greywater Technologies.

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to improved sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create economic opportunities – job and contribute to the country’s GDP.
The programme is aligned to the National Development Plan, DWS’ National Water and Sanitation Master Plan and the dtic’s Water and Sanitation Industrialization Master Plan
As part of this disruptive sanitation space, we are seeking to identify highly innovative sanitation and greywater technologies. These technologies can be locally developed or localised international technologies. The intent of this call is to identify available innovative local sanitation and greywater technologies that can be further developed and commercialized to meet local sanitation challenges. Successful applicants will be assisted with further development (if required), followed by rigorous field testing and demonstration to evaluate end-user acceptance and commercial viability of the technology. Technologies that are successfully field-tested will then be matched with appropriate funding mechanisms to commercialise and take the final product to market.
The call is seeking to identify highly innovative sanitation and greywater technologies that meet but not limited to the following criteria:
Category A: Non-sewered Sanitation Systems
• Innovative off-grid sanitation front end solution that require little or no water for flushing
• Urine diversion technologies
• Off-grid faecal sludge treatment technologies
• Off-grid blackwater treatment technologies
• Locally developed technologies or technologies that have already been localised
• Innovative sanitary pad disposal systems
• Innovative off-grids sanitation solutions that produce beneficial product from sanitation wastes
• Sanitation solutions and technologies that have the potential to completely transform, minimize waste and/or recover water at fit for use quality will be preferentially considered for further development and commercialization.
Category B: Greywater Systems
• Nature-based systems
• Off-grid greywater treatment technologies
• Innovative disruptive technology-based systems
It would be advantageous if proposed technologies meet all or most of the ISO 30500 standard for Category A and fit for purpose water quality standards for Category B. We are looking for technologies that are appropriate for household, communal and commercial buildings, rural, peri-urban, informal and urban settlement types.

REQUIREMENTS
The applicant should be able to demonstrate the underlying scientific principles behind the technology, provide the rationale supporting design features, fabrication and implementation costs, operations and maintenance requirements, level of readiness for operation, target location (rural, peri-urban and/or urban), and detail any previous demonstrations/implementation (number of units installed, performance metrics, location, scale, partners, performance outputs) and desire to commercialise and take technology to market.

APPLICATION
Applicant should download the questionnaire by clicking the "HERE" .
Completed questionnaire  to be submitted to: alpheuss@wrc.org.za by no later than Tuesday, 28th February 2023 by the close of business (16h00). Late applications will not be considered.

CONTACT
Email Subject Title: Local sanitation technology scan
Email Submissions: alpheuss@wrc.org.za
Queries: Akin Akinsete - akina@wrc.org.za

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South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP): Open Call 2023 Call for Technology Transfer Partners

South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP): Open Call 2023 Call for Technology Transfer Partners

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to improved sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create economic opportunities – job and contribute to the country’s GDP.
The programme is aligned to the National Development Plan, DWS’ National Water and Sanitation Master Plan and the dtic’s Water and Sanitation Industrialization Master Plan
As part of this disruptive sanitation space we are seeking to establish a database of potential and interested technology transfer partners who would wish to invest, participate and drive a new industry and economy. Selected technology transfer partners will be matched with innovative sanitation solutions and technologies that are ready for commercialisation and will be supported to develop commercialisation strategies and revenue models that will assist with attracting funding for localisation and manufacturing. The call is seeking to identify capable technology transfer partners that meet but not limited to the following capability criteria:
• Experience in manufacturing consumable products
• Experience in manufacturing multiple product lines
• Significant in-house production capacity to produce innovations at scale
• Resources to take innovation to market
• Track record of commercialisation of innovative technologies/solutions
• High quality and safety assurances
• Ability to modify design based on regional or local preferences
• Strong existing presence or partnerships in consumable products
• Existing geographic footprint across target markets in South Africa
• Experience in managing service and repair providers
• Experience in collaborating with multiple manufacturing stakeholders

APPLICATION
Applicants should download the questionnaire by clicking HERE
Completed questionnaire to be submitted to: alpheuss@wrc.org.za by no later than Tuesday, 28th February 2023 by the close of business (16h00). Late applications will not be considered.

CONTACT
Email Subject Title: Local Technology Transfer Partners
Email Submissions: alpheuss@wrc.org.za
Queries: Phillip Majeke - phillipm@wrc.org.za

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Closed Call Archives

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Key Strategic Area:9 - Business Development and Innovations
Programme:  Business Development and Innovations
Title: Consolidation and gap analysis of non-revenue water tools, guidelines, technologies, and solutions
TOR ID: 1009950

Contact Person (ToR content and Focus): Shanna Nienaber shannan@wrc.org.za
Contact Person (BMS, proposal template, etc): Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

Closing Date: 8 Feb 2023

Brief Description

Consolidate and package the existing advisory packages, solutions, guidelines, reports, innovations, and technologies sitting in the proven and emerging pipeline related to non-revenue water. This will need to be accompanied by a research and innovation gap analysis to inform the NRW investment strategy from an innovation perspective. All outputs must be packaged in a way that meets the user requirements of core partners such as DWS, municipalities, SALGA, MISA, and others.

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KSA 39: Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilient Program (GLSCRP)
Thrust: Business Development
Title: Developing and piloting enterprise development capacity building for rural community-based water schemes.
ToR ID:1009947
Contact Person: Zanele Sifundza – zaneles@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 29 January 2023

Brief Description of ToR: This ToR focuses on developing the learning tools, documenting the approach on rural and social enterprise management to ensure post-project sustainability and creation of a local economy enabled by water provision and climate resilience solutions. This includes technical, financial, business, and social skills to operate and sustain livelihoods and enterprises of Giyani.
Scope: To develop and pilot rural enterprise capacity development modules that will complement operational training modules for empowering for the targeted 220 beneficiaries in the communities and project rural water schemes.

Interested participants are encouraged to attend a non-compulsory Briefing Session on the following dates:
Date : 11 January 2023 @ 10h00, 16 January 2023 @ 10h00

Please find the links for the two briefing sessions :

11 January 2023 -  Click here to join the meeting
16 January 2023 - Click here to join the meeting

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
THRUST 1: Governance and institutional arrangements
PROGRAMME 2: Policy, science and implementation
ToR Title: Development and application of standardised tools to support assessment of the socio-economic impact of water re-allocation through compulsory licensing
ToR ID : 1009948
Contact Person: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 03 February 2023

Compulsory licensing, as provided for in section 43 of the National Water Act, is intended to be used in areas which are, or are soon likely to be, stressed in terms of water quantity or
quality, or where it is necessary to review prevailing water use to achieve equitable access to water.
There is a need to learn from experience to date with implementing compulsory licensing in order to inform how it can better be done in the future.
Further, there is a need for a standardised set of tools and approaches to guide and expedite aspects of the licensing process, including the assessment of the socio-economic
impacts of authorising a particular proposed allocation schedule. Selected catchments within the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area will be used as a test site for the tools and
approaches for socio-economic assessment to be developed through this study.

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KSA:1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Programme: Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security
Title of ToR: Empirical and user-appropriate evidence to support DFIs and private sector investment towards managing ecological Infrastructure
ToR ID:1009949

Closing Date: 03 February 2023

Contact Person: Roderick Juba roderickj@wrc.org.za

Description
The scarcity of appropriate and appropriately packaged evidence to demonstrate the realised value of ecological infrastructure and its role in supporting sustainable development,
as well as positioning it as an important component of development finance considerations, is a significant gap that needs to be addressed urgently.
As such, this call seeks to invite applicants to review and consolidate science-based evidence that exists around the value proposition of water related ecological infrastructure to
DFIs and private sector. This will involve products that support effective mainstreaming of EI into the finance sector in order to unlock finance flows for water-related EI.

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust  2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme: Data and Hydro-informatics

TOR Title: Updating the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database for Secondary Catchments on a Sub-Quaternary Scale including the Significant Tributaries of the Main Stem Rivers, instream wetlands and estuaries within a Sub Quaternary Reach

ToR ID : 1009912
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 January 2023

Note

1 The calls are opened to all, except those who received acceptance letters already
2 The call is for Group:4 (uMzimvubu/Tsitsikama and the Spreadsheet/Model update only
3 A proposer can only submit either for Group:4 or Spreadsheet, Not both

The availability of water resources in South Africa is shrinking in terms of quantity and quality due to increasing requirements and the vastly changing land uses.
This reality necessitates the close management of natural resources and specifically water resources in a holistic manner and continuously monitoring from source to sea.
Therefore, the main objective of this study is to update the 2011 PES/EIS database that curated information for the main rivers in 1946 Quaternary Catchments in South Africa.
The study will focus largely on primary, secondary and quaternary catchments and should include the significant water resources in the proclaimed strategic water
resource areas on sub-quaternary reaches (SQRs) level which include the associated lotic wetlands i.e. floodplainwetlands, channelled valley bottoms and estuaries situated in the SQR.
The wetlands database must be addressed in detail where e.g. seeps, unchanneled valley bottoms, pans and lakes that are not connected to a river.
A standardised approach for obtaining and reflecting the latter mentioned information will be provided, assessed and the approach agreed upon during the inception phase

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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust  2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme: Data and Hydro-informatics

TOR Title: Updating of the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database with reference to the Enhancement of the PES & EIS Model/Spreadsheet Database and Specialist Support to the Study Groups.
ToR ID : 1009913
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 January 2023

Note

1 The calls are opened to all, except those who received acceptance letters already
2 The call is for Group:4 (uMzimvubu/Tsitsikama and the Spreadsheet/Model update only
3 A proposer can only submit either for Group:4 or Spreadsheet, Not both

The availability of water resources in South Africa is shrinking in terms of quantity and quality due to increasing requirements and the vastly changing land uses.
This reality necessitates the close management of natural resources and specifically water resources in a holistic manner and continuously monitoring from source to sea.
Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assist the updating of the 2011/2014 PES & EIS Database by enhancing the Model/Spreadsheet that curated information for the
main rivers in 1946 Quaternary Catchments in South Africa, and to provide specialist/technical support to the five (5) Study Area Groups that will collect the information.
The five (5) Study Area Groups will focus largely on primary, secondary and quaternary catchments and should include the significant water resources in the proclaimed strategic
water resource areas on sub-quaternary reaches (SQRs) level which include the associated lotic wetlands i.e. floodplain wetlands, channelled valley bottoms and estuaries
situated in the SQR. The wetlands database will be addressed in detail where e.g. seeps, unchanneled valley bottoms, pans and lakes that are not connected to a river.
A standardised approach for obtaining and reflecting the latter mentioned information will be provided, assessed and the approach agreed upon during the inception phase.

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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Large-scale demonstration of faecal sludge management and valorization technologies
ToR ID : 1009944
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 25 November 2022

Brief description of ToR
Sludge treatment and disposal methods range from simple dewatering and landfill burial to the use of emerging technologies that can use various thermal processes such as incineration, hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis etc. to heat the sludge and produce products such as soil conditioners, briquettes, biochar, electricity and so on. The conversion of faecal and (WWTW) sludges to valuable products has many benefits and is an important step in closing the nutrients and carbon loop. This will not only reduce the environmental impact of waste created, but it also has an economic benefit in terms of sustainable energy generation, material recovery and job creation.

WRC has invested research funds in supporting the academic partnership in developing two sludge technologies viz: Latrine Dehydration Pasteurization technology (LaDePa) and the Enhanced Hydrothermal Polymerization (EHTP). These technologies are attractive as they were developed by experienced local technology partners with requisite expertise and knowledge of local conditions to ensure appropriate and relevant solutions. It is envisaged that these technologies will be viable and will offer solutions to South African (SA) municipalities through traditional procurement processes, post proposed project. These technologies also offer technologies at a scale and capacity that is suitable for municipalities i.e., 5 to 30 ton/day processing of sludge waste.

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Key Strategic Area: 39 Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilient Program (GLSCRP)
Title: Developing and piloting enterprise development capacity building for rural community-based water schemes
TOR ID: 1009939
Contact Person : Zanele Sifundza zaneles@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 05 October 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

This ToR focuses on developing the learning tools, documenting the approach on rural and social enterprise management to ensure post-project sustainability and creation of a local economy enabled by water provision and climate resilience solutions. This includes technical, financial, business, and social skills to operate and sustain livelihoods and enterprises of Giyani.
Scope: To develop and pilot rural enterprise capacity development modules that will complement operational training modules for empowering for the targeted 220 beneficiaries in the communities and project rural water schemes.

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Key Strategic Area: 34
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title: Piloting the NatSilt skills programmes for effective implementation
AWARD SP4 Deliverable 3a Curriculum framework and skills programmes
NatSilt SP4 Deliverable 1final Report
WRC NatSilt SP4 Deliverable 3b final Report
Contact Person : Lesego Gaegane lesegog@wrc.org.za , Vuyokazi Matiwana
Closing Date: 30 September 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
The reports are from the National Dam Siltation Management programme’s first phase where the skills programmes were developed. The reports entail the development process taken in developing the skills programmes, the curriculum framework and the context needed to understand the process unfolded.

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Key Strategic Area: Water resources and ecosystems
Thrust: 2. Hydrological and ecosystem processes
Programme 2: Data and hydroinformatics
Title: The state of citizen science (CS) for water resource quality monitoring
TOR ID: 1009932
Contact Person : Mr Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za, Ms Gerda Kruger gerdak@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

To improve the quality of water resource management in South Africa through the consolidation of
citizen scientist generated data to influence policy change at the national level.
Highlight the value of CS as a scientifically credible method of collecting data and
reporting on the quality of water resources in SA, determine the manner in which the CS sector can consolidate CS
efforts and fill critical gaps.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme:1 Smart water supply management
Title: Smart water metering, trends, opportunities, risks and policy
TOR ID: 1009927
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water
metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications
systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems
and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these
technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system
management for decades to come.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation
Title: What are municipalities doing with their municipal sludge? Understanding the current practices and the cost associated with municipal sludge disposal with case studies
TOR ID: 1009925
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Municipal wastewater sludge generation is an inevitable operational by-product associated sanitation
service provision. Municipal sludge consists of wastewater sludge generated as a by-product from
wastewater treatment and faecal sludge generated from containment in on-site sanitation systems. The
disposal strategies for municipal sludge management guided by the WRC Sludge Management Guidelines
of 2006 and 2009, which are currently used in Authorisations by the Authorities responsible for water and
environmental affairs to stipulate the regulatory requirements for sludge management. In addition to
disposal, stockpiling of sludges may occur.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation
Title: Development of Curricula for Non-Sewered Sanitation & Sludge Valorisation
TOR ID: 1009924
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The Water Research Commission (WRC) has generated a plethora of world-leading research into nonsewered
sanitation. This includes ground-breaking research into pit latrine science, the drying kinetics of
faecal sludge and the development and science advancement of various novel household and communitybased
sanitation systems. Despite the generation of this knowledge, there has little uptake of this research
into university curricula with conventional systems, specifically sewered system design, remaining
entrenched within the academic learning space. Under the constrained resource availability and
urbanisation trends expected, the next generation of sanitation engineers, scientists and decision-makers
need exposure to alternative approaches in this field.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Understanding the current trends and advances in municipal sludge technology and innovative options related to sludge management
TOR ID: 1009923
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Municipal wastewater sludges are produced in large quantities from wastewater treatment works.
Generally, sludge treatment and disposal can account for half of the operating cost of sewage treatment
plants. According to the State of Waste Report (SoWR, 2018), there are 824 large-scale municipal and
private wastewater treatment works generating around 632,749 tonnes of wastewater sludge. Municipal
wastewater sludge production will continue to increase as more people move to urbanized areas, new
treatment works are implemented and environmental standards become more stringent. With some
traditional disposal routes coming under pressure, the challenge is to find cost-effective and innovative
solutions whilst responding to environmental, regulatory and public pressures. The continuous
advancement of sludge treatment processes is therefore critical to municipal wastewater treatment
operations and the healthy development of the sewage treatment industry.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Development of a Strategic Approach to include Re-Engineered Toilets into Institutional and Municipal Financial Planning
TOR ID: 1009922
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

As cities grow and become under increasing water, energy, climatic and energy demand pressures, novel
sanitation systems and processes are required. Accelerating the development of new technologies,
processes and servicing and management models is required to catalyze a paradigm change in
unsustainable practices. Many of these applications have been developed, tried and tested with success
but have not reached the desired critical mass.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title: Development of a Framework and Model for Designing Sanitation Sensitive Cities
TOR ID: 1009921
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The vision of a Sanitation Sensitive City is one where water and sanitation and circular economy principles
is given due prominence in the design of urban area. The premise is that future cities will need to transition
into sustainable ecocities in which uses of resources are reduced, recycled and reused. At the same time,
it aims to protect society from disease-causing and environmentally degrading waste and introduce
business approaches linked to recycling and re-use. The aim is to enable economies and societies in general
to become more sustainable, autonomous, sustainable and in aligned with the realities of limited
environmental resources, including water, energy and food.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 1 – Re-Engineered Toilet
Title: Proof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that uses incineration as the main treatment process
TOR ID: 1009920
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.zaProof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that uses incineration as the main treatment process
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

There is a strong need to innovate toilet technologies to address the technical limitations of current
approaches. These solutions need to safely treat human excreta and match societal needs without relying
on sewers and constant water and energy supply. Toilets that utilize “in-situ” treatment processes offer
the potential to apply circular economy principles of “reduce, recycle and reuse” processes at household
level. This strategy enables to households to mitigate against challenges of water supply and reducing the
burden of sludge handling. Internationally and locally, standards (ISO 30500 and SANS 30500) have been
developed for this purpose and to ensure safety, functionality, usability, reliability and maintainability of
the system, and its compatibility with environmental protection goals.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 4 - SANITI
Programme: 1 – Re-Engineered Toilet
Title: Proof-of-Concept for urban, household re-engineered toilet that carbonises human faecal waste
TOR ID: 1009919
Contact Person : Dr. Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Progress in sanitation is falling short of time-based targets. Part of the challenge lies in the technology
paradigm that has seen little innovation is the last 150 years. The current sanitation paradigm is binary in
nature – flush toilets connected to wastewater treatment works via sewered network and on-site
alternatives that main serve as containment receptacles in which faecal sludges needs to emptied and
transported to a treatment facility. Both approaches have their known technical shortcomings.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title: The DDM model and its implications on Water Services Legislation, planning and regulation.
TOR ID: 1009930
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

The President in the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech (2019) identified the “pattern of operating
in silos” as a challenge which led to “to lack of coherence in planning and implementation and
has made monitoring and oversight of government’s programme difficult”. The consequence
has been non optimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of
poverty, inequality and employment.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 3: Water efficiency and behaviour change
Title: Strategy for national scaling of behavioural nudges and other associated behaviour change tools
TOR ID: 1009929
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

Climate variability, growing urban communities and that of water demand is a situation facing
many developing and developed countries. Besides the gap between demand and supply slowly
being closed and some cases exceeded, the situation is further exacerbated by lack of change is
user and usage behavior. This has been the experience both globally and now locally in the case
of Port Elisabeth, where consumption patterns have responded to the growing rsiks associated
with water stress. Many municipal areas in South Africa are already reaching point of water
stress and find themselves having to manage the demand on their water resources. This need is
likely to become more acute as the economy and population continues to grow, pushing the
areas and country in water scarcity. Historically municipalities have largely relied on engineering
interventions and customer management and education campaigns to, coupled with on tariffs,
technical interventions (such as leakage control) to manage the demand for water. In recent
years however, municipalities, mainly in the developed world, have begun implementing
behavioral economics as a means for more sustainable behaviour change in the use and
management of water.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KEY STRATEGIC AREA:Water Resources and Ecosystems THRUST: N/A PROGRAMME: Business Development and Innovations TITLE: Flood, Drought, and Pollution Disaster Early Warning System for South Africa TOR ID: 1009918 Contact Person : Dr. Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za , Ms Gerda Kruger gerdak@wrc.org.za Closing Date: 30 September 2022 Brief Description of ToR: Being able to predict the onset of disasters like floods (fast onset), droughts (slow onset) and pollution (fast and slow onset) is a prerequisite to save lives and protect infrastructure. As our climate continues to change, these extreme events are increasing and become less predictable. Coupled with poor land-use planning and management practices which threaten the quality of our source waters and environment. There is a need for system(s) that assist decision-making that is data driven and contextualised Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KEY STRATEGIC AREA: KSA 9: Business Development and Innovations
THRUST: N/A
PROGRAMME: Business Development and Innovations
TITLE: Supporting the enabling environment for public sector uptake of emerging water and sanitation innovations (Technology and process solutions)
TOR ID: 1009917
Contact Person (ToR content and Focus): Shanna Nienaber shannan@wrc.org.za
Contact Person (BMS, proposal template, etc): Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:
Develop an evaluation and recommendations report on innovation and public procurement that will support public sector uptake of emerging water and sanitation innovations (technology and process solutions). This will need to provide clear, tailored guidance to National Treasury and the Department of Science and Innovation as some of the key policy enablers in this issue. It will also need to guide the way forward for the users/buyers of solutions including Department of Water and Sanitation, CMAs, Municipalities, Utilities, and any other identified role players.
Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust : 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)
Programme : 2 (Policy, science, and implementation)
Title : Enabling the incorporation of administrative penalties into the National Water Act
ToR ID : 1009916
Contact Person : John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 July 2022

Brief description of ToR

The Department of Water and Sanitation is an authority involved in the management of environment and mandated to enforce the National Water Act, which is a Specific Environmental Management Act (SEMA). Criteria, guidelines and tools are required that will enable the application of administrative penalties for offences in terms of the National Water Act. This development will supplement the amendment process of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, which will provide for the imposition of administrative penalties for failure to comply with provisions of NEMA and the SEMAs.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme 2: Data and Hydro-informatics
Title : Updating the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database for Secondary Catchments on a Sub-Quaternary Scale including the Significant Tributaries of the Main Stem Rivers, instream wetlands and estuaries within a Sub Quaternary Reach.
ToR ID :1009912
Contact Person: Mr Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 28 August 2022

Brief description of ToR

Populating the PES and EIS Database using a standardized baseline spreadsheet/model (that will be provided) according to the designated study areas assigned to the specific groups (refer to the Table below for Study Groups). The specific objectives will entail:

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 2: Hydrological and Ecosystem Processes
Programme 2: Data and Hydro-informatics
Title : Updating of the 2011 Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Database with reference to the Enhancement of the PES & EIS Model/Spreadsheet Database and Specialist Support to the Study Groups
ToR ID 1009913
Contact Person: Mr Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 28 August 2022

Brief description of ToR

Populating the PES and EIS Database using a standardized baseline spreadsheet/model (that will be provided) according to the designated study areas assigned to the specific groups (refer to the Table below for Study Groups). The specific objectives will entail:

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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Key Strategic Area: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Thrust: 1. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme 2: Sustainable drainage futures
Title: Demonstration of the development of a WSD plans for four case study municipalities from category B and C.
TOR ID: 1009933
Contact Person : Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2022

Brief Description of ToR:

In 2013 The Water Research Commission initiated the Water Sensitive Design Lighthouse The purpose of this lighthouse was to develop a critical mass of knowledge around the integration of planning activities for the adoption of more integrated and sustainable solutions using the water sensitive design (settlements) lens for urban, peri-urban and rural environments. Thus, in South Africa, WSD is defined as management of the country’s water resources through the integration of various disciplines of engineering, social, economic and environmental sciences, whilst recognizing water as a scarce, finite and vulnerable resource and an economic good. Water and the principles of Water Sensitive Design is seen as enablers which could move South African institutions closer to meeting the developmental goals as set out in the National Development Plan and the objectives of the Water For Growth and Development, National Water Resource Strategy and Climate Change strategy.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Next-Gen Sanitation Technology Toolbox for SA Schools
ToR ID : 1009909
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 20 May 2022

Brief description of ToR
The cost per seat is used to benchmark school sanitation technologies. This metric primarily takes into account construction and installation costs, which can be easily skewed by the state of the site, greenfield vs. brownfield, or other ancillary infrastructure required other than the toilet system itself, i.e., front end (toilet pedestal) and back-end infrastructure(treatment unit). Intangible factors such as social and user acceptability and aspiration, as well as environmental factors such as the impact on potable water sources, waste disposal considerations, and energy requirements, are also ignored by this metric. As a water-stressed country where climate change threatens our current sanitation paradigm, such considerations are critical for a strong school sanitation policy and plan.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection, Water Security And Utilization
Programme: National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Develop and integrate the upper uMkhomazi catchment and Ecological Infrastructure management plan with Smithfield Dam design using NatSilt Dam Operations model_SA (002)
ToR ID : 1009908
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 04 May 2022

Brief description of ToR
The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection, Water Security And Utilization
Programme: National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Demonstrating the use of the storage sustainability scoring system tool and dam operation model at Darlington, Hazelmere and Welbedacht Dams
ToR ID : 1009905
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 1 April 2022

Brief description of ToR
The aim of the project is to test the validity of the storage sustainability scoring system tool and the dam operations model and to identify changes and improvements.
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KSA 3: 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
Title : Piloting the siltation management model in the Hazelmere Dam and Welbedacht Dam catchments
ToR ID : 1009904
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane <lesegog@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 10 April 2022

Brief description of ToR

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.
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KSA : KSA 9 (Business Development and Innovation)
Thrust 3 (Business Development)
Programme (Sector Strategic Responses)
Title : Developing a sustainability readiness framework and strategy to drive and guide water and sanitation institutional RDI global competitiveness
ToR ID : 1009893
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 25 February 2021

Brief description of ToR

The South African Water and Sanitation sector consists of, and is advised by various Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) entities, academic partners, consultancies and internally established units. However, very few have positioned themselves and developed sustainable capabilities to compete globally in new areas such as next generation sanitation in relation to safety and hygiene. The WRC has made significant investments into WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) research and innovation projects prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the WRC aims to utilise the case of the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal’s WASH Research and Development Centre (UKZN-WRDC) to develop a framework and strategy that can place a research entity onto a globally competitive pathway, whilst creating local industry impact.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 3 : Water resources and ecosystem protection and utilization
Programme 2: Rehabilitation and conservation
Title : Rehabilitation needs of the Baakens river ecological infrastructure to a beneficial catchment in Gqeberha
ToR ID : 1009898
Contact Person: Gerda Kruger <gerdak@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 03 February 2022

Brief description of ToR

The Baakens River flows about 23 km from its catchment area in Sherwood through the Gqebera City centre and opens at the harbour in the Algoa Bay. Over the past years, human activities have led to the pollution of the river and has affected the quality of the water as well as the flora and fauna in and around the river. The river is central to the NMB City’s development of the Baakens valley in the Metro, as such, there is a need for its rehabilitation to activate tourism and development in the area.
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KSA : KSA 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems)
Thrust 5: RESOURCE QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT
Programme P3: Source water protection
Title : Developing Long and Short Term Technical Solutions, Mitigation Measures and Decision Support Strategies that will Improve Water Quality in the Grootdraai Dam Catchment global competitiveness
ToR ID : 1009895
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa euniceuj@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 26 January 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Grootdraai Dam catchment located within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) serves several
users who are heavily involved in pertinent activities critical to sustaining the economy of South Africa.
Over the years there have been subtle changes to the water quality in the dam which have been observed
by raw water users. This change in quality could be driven by both natural hazards as well as manmade
anthropogenic activities. Seasonality also seems to have an influence on the water quality observed in
the catchment. The overall predominant observed trend is that of deteriorating water quality within most
of the catchment. The loss in water quality has already had a negative impact on the operations of some
strategic users of the dam, as water quality is no longer of the standard needed to meet operational
requirements. Secondly, the loss in water quality drives the need to abstract larger volumes of water to
ensure effective operation levels. This abstraction of larger volumes of water is not sustainable in a
catchment that is already fairly water scarce. A decrease in the amount of water in the catchment will
have a spinoff negative effect socially, economically and environmentally.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Coordination for the - SANS 30500 Testing and Certification (Mark scheme) Pilot.
ToR ID : 1009885
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 December 2021

Brief description of ToR

Off-grid and non-sewer sanitation systems offer South Africa the opportunity to expand access to the marginalized and poorly served with improved and sustainable sanitation services. This approach will assist with addressing the current sanitation backlogs and meet the target for the Sustainable Developmental Goal 6 (SDG 6) – “ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. The current sanitation provision paradigm is either a hole in the ground (i.e., the use of pit latrines and its other variants), limited use of decentralized sanitation systems which do not always meet regulatory standards, or a flushing toilet connected to a sewer reticulation system. While these solutions have merits and can meet the challenges of adequate sanitation if deployed and maintained properly. Additional factors such as quality of products, quality of performance, appropriate design, and operations and maintenance often results in poor technology deployment.
The Water Research Commission (WRC) has championed non-sewered sanitation research, development, and innovation for over 20 years and in 2014 partnered with the Department of Science and Technology and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to focus efforts that brings about sanitation transformation in South Africa and Africa, a concept termed SANiTI (Sanitation Transformation Initiative). This concept is enabled through the national programme called SASTEP (South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme) based at the Water Research Commission. One of the critical elements of SANiTI was to use a standards-based approach to move the sector towards more innovative sanitation technologies that embrace water and resource efficient toilets, alternate treatment and waste valorisation technologies and circular economy technology adaptations.

Through the WRC and the South African Bureau of Standards partnership, South Africa was well represented on the international panel that supported the creation of the ISO 30500 standard which SABS went on to adopt as the national standard in South Africa, the 2nd country in Africa to do so. This marked a critical milestone of co-operative governance (DHSWS, COGTA, and dti), smart partnerships (WRC and SABS) and potential to enable the growth of a sunrise sanitation industry in South Africa while solving some of the most challenging problems surrounding sanitation provision in the country. Such standards-based practices enhance competitive edge for nascent companies and industrial development and is also instrumental in facilitation of international trade. The next key step will be to build a certification (mark) scheme inclusive of testing, laboratory readiness and a certification mark. This projects seeks to coordinate a national platform to develop a cost efficient and functional certification / accreditation process for SANS 30500 that will enable innovators and manufacturers develop quality products in accordance with the standard.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems)
Thrust 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)
Programme 2 (Policy, science and implementation)
Title : A lower Breede River scoping study to support future water-related research and guide ecological infrastructure management
ToR ID : 1009886
Contact Person: Roderick Juba roderickj@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 16 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

Certain land-use practices along the Breede River in the Western Cape are viewed as a major contributors to water quality issues in the middle to lower Breede,
leading to ecological degradation and impacting on water use downstream.
Water quality declines downstream, with changes in salinity, nutrient enrichment, microbial pollution, reduction in dissolved oxygen, and turbidity and siltation.
Knock-on effects from these include ecological degradation through issues such as increased algal blooms and eutrophication, and direct economic losses due to increased maintenance and water treatment costs,
and possibly through use of contaminated irrigation water on export products. While these issues present a great opportunity for furthering social learning, co-developing landscape-based solutions,
and establishing collaborative partnerships to coordinate long-term ecological infrastructure management interventions, there is still a clear need for better understanding of the social landscape,
including its various challenges and opportunities.
This project seeks to increase our understanding of the social-ecological landscape of the middle to lower Breede River, to identify opportunities for improved ecological infrastructure management.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 2: Policy, science and implementation
Title : Evaluation of selected South African targets, indicators and reporting methodologies for Sustainable Development Goal 6
ToR ID : 1009887
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 16 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

On 25 September 2015 South Africa was one of the 193 countries that committed to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Goal 6 aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. To achieve this, SDG 6 has 8 targets and progress is monitored through 11 indicators.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : 6
Programme : 1
Title : Text mining to enhance hydroinformatics
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams <shaficka@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 10 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The successful management of water resources is founded on the maintenance of long-term water databases and the accessibility of these data to the public. Social media, media and other crowdsourcing platforms are rich in both qualitative and quantitative data collected by individual citizens and social groups.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation.
Title : The Development of a Framework for the Review Of The Sludge Management Guidelines.
ToR ID : 1009889
Contact Person: Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 18 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

Sludge generation is a key component associated with sustainable wastewater management. In order for sludge to be disposed or used, sludge need to be characterised or classified. Historically, sludge has been classified in three main categories in a decreasing order of potential to cause odour nuisances and fly-breeding as well as to transmit pathogenic organisms to the environment. These categories are described in the guide Permissible Utilisation and Disposal of Sewage Sludge (PUDSS) published by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in 1997 (Edition 1).
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design.
Title : Strategies to recover resources from sanitation waste: Developing a national sanitation resource recovery policy based on material flows (quantity and quality).
ToR ID : 1009888
Contact Person: Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 18 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The sanitation supply chain is critical aspect of the urban water chain, offers several opportunities to recover resources and the close the resource loop in towns and cities, and a critical component of a sanitation sensitive design. Under conditions of limited natural resources, population growth and rapidly urbanizing populations, a paradigm shift may be required that considers sanitation waste as a resource with potential for material and energy recovery. Opportunities are available for water, organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, and energy recovery.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development .
Programme 13: SASTEP.
Title : Demonstration of malodor counteractant in schools and household toilets.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 14 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

More than 40% of the world’s population still practice unsafe sanitation or lack access to improved sanitation
facilities. Associated challenges, in terms of public health and environmental protection, can therefore not be
overstated. consequently, the international community has set itself an ambitious goal to improve the
situation through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6. SDG 6.2 aims to improve access to
adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation by 2030. Despite laudable
efforts by the South African government, about 18% of South African households only have access to either an
unimproved form of sanitation or practice open defecation (StatSA, 2018).
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KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems.
Thrust 5: Resource Quality and Management.
Programme 3: Source Water Protection.
Title : Piloting the implementation of the waste discharge charge system in the crocodile catchment.
ToR ID : 1009884
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa
Closing Date : 22 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) forms part of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges established in terms of Section 56 of the National Water Act (NWA) (Act 36 of 1998) and is a regulatory tool which can be used to improve the quality of water resources as well as compliance to the management class and associated resource quality objectives and the ecological reserve. The development of a Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) has been proposed to promote water conservation and waste reduction. It is well known that in some instances the discharge of poor quality effluent into streams causing pollution of water resources is occurring. Poor quality of water resources contravenes the resource quality objectives and international obligations. Furthermore, waste related activities currently do not contribute any revenue towards the management of the water resources. The first three phases of implementing the WDCS was successfully completed, however phase 4 which involves the piloting of the system still remains. This TOR will address the piloting of the WDCS in the Crocodile catchment.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development.
Programme 2: Capacity building and training programmes.
Title : Developing and piloting a model that shifts water graduates from bridging programmes and academia into employment.
ToR ID :1009881
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze– chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 29 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

This initiative will form part of the broader Water Graduate Employment Programme (Water GEP) Phase 2 which falls under the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and will run for 9-12 months between November 2021 and September 2022. The Water GEP provides for graduate stipends and training (budgets). The overarching objective of the programme is to catalyse job creation in three inter-linked areas (work exposure placements, business incubation, and shifting graduates into employment) that supports sustainable economic development. This TOR specifically refers to Leg 3 that shifts graduates into employment. Water GEP Phase 1 has created a number of pathways for recently graduated youth including access to host institutions and potential employers. Current monitoring and evaluation suggests that 20-25% of supported graduates were performing within the expectations of the host organisations and have shown contributions in their place of work.

Scope: Overarching project management of the programme and to develop and pilot a model that shifts 100 top performing Water GEP phase 1 graduates into employment whilst building new knowledge on the transition of a post-COVID youth workforce for water security.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation.
Thrust 3: Business Development.
Programme 2: Capacity building and training programmes.
Title :Water Incubator: Developing and Piloting the Transition of Water Graduates into Job Creators in the water and sanitation sector.
ToR ID :1009880
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze– chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 18 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

This initiative will form part of the broader Water Graduate Employment Programme (Water GEP) Phase 2 which falls under the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The Water GEP is a partnership between the WRC, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and National Treasury (NT) and will run for 9-12 months between November 2021 and September 2022. The overarching objective of the programme is to catalyse job creation in three inter-linked areas (work exposure placements, business incubation, and transitioning into employment) that supports sustainable economic development. The programme will also test opportunities from WRC portfolio around tools, products and services to be taken forward by entrepreneurs as strong science and community based businesses for the sector.

Scope: Develop and pilot a transitory business incubation model for 300 graduates that builds on previous investments in skills in the water sector to transition water, sanitation and other skills (undergraduate and post-graduate) into new areas of national contribution through intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial activities
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : Application of research findings to support the empowerment of Agri-parks farmers to increase irrigated food production and market access.
ToR ID : 1009874
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

The South African Government initiated the rollout of Agri-parks across the country, aiming to revitalise agriculture, catalyse rural industrialisation and support emerging farmers (Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, 2016). An Agri-park is a networked innovation system of agro-production, processing, logistics, marketing, training and extension services, located in a District Municipality.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : A demonstration of school-based vegetable gardens in enhancing school’s feeding scheme, a contribution to food security in five Provinces.
ToR ID : 1009876
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Malnutrition, either over- or under-nutrition, is becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially among school-aged children. This often leads to poor school attendance and high rates of dropout. Previous WRC funded research indicated a correlation between measures of food security and household food security indicators. School-based participatory vegetable gardens were found to be an effective long-term strategy that complements supplementation and food fortification programs to address hidden hunger and food insecurity.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title : A roll-out of homestead vegetable gardens as test beds for Agri-technologies to enhance food and nutrition security in five Provinces.
ToR ID : 1009878
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Malnutrition, either over- or under-nutrition, is therefore becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially in high-risk groups; Young, Old, Pregnant, and Immuno-compromised (YOPI). Homestead vegetable gardens were found to be an effective strategy that addresses hidden hunger and food insecurity in poor households. Based on these findings, the WRC seeks to roll-out homestead vegetable gardens as test beds for Agri-technologies in 5 000 households.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title :Sustainable urban agriculture for addressing food, nutrition security and socio-economic development in high population areas.
ToR ID : 1009877
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Urban agriculture offers livelihood opportunities and social cohesion opportunities as people in urban spaces start to work together. Based on the socio-economic and social-ecological setting of urban areas in South Africa regarding food and nutrition security, the Water Research Commission seeks to commission an integrated urban agriculture intervention with the overall aim to showcase how sustainable agriculture can be implemented in poor and densely populated areas in Johannesburg, Polokwane, Mbombela and eThekwini Municipality to address food and nutrition security, and socio-economic development. These should showcase innovations aligned to the agriculture-environment-health nexus, water-energy-food nexus, crop diversification, hydroponics, etc. In addition, such integrated urban agriculture should create sustainable opportunities for high-risk groups; Young, Old, Pregnant, and Immuno-compromised (YOPI), to participate and beneficiate.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture.
Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities.
Title :Estimating and mapping cultivated areas, crop water use and yield through integrating machine learning and remotely sensed data for improved decision support systems.
ToR ID : 1009875
Contact Person: Luxon Nhamo <luxonn@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 30 October 2021

Brief description of ToR

Monitoring irrigation water demand and consumption, as well as estimating crop yield, require accurate mapping of both rainfed and irrigated areas to facilitate informed policy formulations that enhance equitable water allocation, irrigation planning and drought and relief preparedness. Accurately mapped cultivated areas have become critical in recent years due to the need to achieve food self-sufficiency and at the same time be water-secure amidst the challenges brought about by climate change. This has resulted in increased developments in irrigation facilities in recent times. However, developments in irrigated agriculture are exacerbating water stress due to increased demand.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Future Infrastructure Build Charge.
ToR ID : 1009868
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the Future Infrastructure Build Charge, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Implementation of the Waste Discharge Charge System
ToR ID : 1009870
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the pilot implementation of the Waste Discharge Charge System, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Public interest functions of water resource management activities
ToR ID : 1009871
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the public interest functions of water resource management activities, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water resources and ecosystems.
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 3: Water pricing and financing.
Title : Revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges: Classification of social and commercial projects
ToR ID : 1009872
Contact Person: John Dini <johnd@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 20 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

The National Water Act states that the Minister may establish a pricing strategy for any water use within the framework of existing relevant government policy. Such a pricing strategy was first developed in November 1999 and the version currently in effect was approved for implementation in 2007. The strategy is undergoing a process of revision, and expert support and input is required on specific aspects of the strategy. The piece of work outlined in these terms of reference focuses on the classification of social and commercial projects, and is one of four projects that will be commissioned to support revision of the Pricing Strategy for Water Use Charges.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Title : Barometer study on users perceptions on water services
ToR ID : 1009861
Contact Person:
Research Manager: Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Coodinator: Mr Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 06 September 2021

Brief description of ToR

To establish the level of users satisfaction with the current provision of water services in Municipalities.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Title : Enhancing water services authority/provider performance and identification of good practices through benchmarking
ToR ID : 1009860
Contact Person:
Research Manager: Mr Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Coodinator: Mr Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 06 September 2021

Brief description of ToR
The purpose of the NBI is to promote sustainable water services through both performance assessment and performance improvement. Central to this purpose is the identification of best practices and providing a platform where water services institutions can share and learn from best practices as well as identify areas requiring improvement, together with solutions.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on conjunctive use (identified as Integrated Water Use Management).
ToR ID : 1009863
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Groundwater Scheme Development (identified as Installing groundwater schemes).
ToR ID : 1009864
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Management of Groundwater Schemes.
ToR ID : 1009865
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Groundwater Data collection.
ToR ID : 1009866
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing e
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KSA : 1&2 (Water Resource Management and Ecosystems).
Thrust 2: HYDROLGOICAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES.
Programme 3: CATCHMENT PROCESSES.
Title : Guidance document on Protection Zones (Delineation and Protection).
ToR ID : 1009867
Contact Person: Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date : 05 November 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Strategic Water Sector Cooperation (SSC) between Denmark and South Africa (DWS) is a long-term bilateral cooperation, which amongst others are contributing to the South African water sector by sharing practical
experience and providing expert input into the gaps in the South African groundwater guideline municipal sphere in order to add long term value to the South African work on optimizing the utilization of groundwater.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Programme 1: Smart water supply management.
Title : Barometer study :Users perceptions on the state of water services.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date :

Brief description of ToR

To establish the level of users satisfaction with the current provision of water services in Municipalities.
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KSA : Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme.
Title : Examining the opportunities for community-based service providers/enterprises in water services delivery.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Responsibility for water supply development rests on the State as part of a policy ‘to ensure universal access to water and sanitation for all. As per the Constitution, the authority to develop water supply within their jurisdiction primarily rests on local governments, who must act consistently with national and provincial policies and strategies. Water supply development includes many aspects: planning, construction, operations and maintenance, and monitoring and control of services governed through the Municipal Systems Act and Water Services Act.
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KSA : Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust 1: Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production.
Programme 1: Water – efficient production methods in relation to soil, crops and technology in rain – fed and irrigation agriculture.
Title :Increasing water use, productivity and savings in full bearing macadamia orchards under micro-irrigation.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Prof Sylvester Mpandeli sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To determine the impact of water stress at different phenological stages on the yield and quality of macadamia orchards over two seasons, and to optimise irrigation practices in different macadamia cultivars.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Sanitation‐Sensitive Design(SSD).
Programme 3: Municipal Sludge Valorisation.
Title : Development of Curricula for Non‐Sewered Sanitation including Municipal Sludge Valorisation Approaches.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Water Research Commission (WRC) has generated a plethora of world‐leading research into non‐ sewered sanitation. This includes ground‐breaking research into pit latrine science, the drying kinetics of faecal sludge and the development and science advancement of various novel household and community‐ based sanitation systems. Despite the generation of this knowledge, there has little uptake of thisresearch into university curricula with conventional systems, specifically sewered system design, remaining entrenched within the academic learning space. Under the constrained resource availability and urbanisation trends expected, the next generation of sanitation engineers, scientists and decision‐makers need exposure to alternative approaches in this field.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management.
Thrust 4: Saniti.
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design.
Title : Development of a Framework and Model for Designing Sanitation Sensitive Cities.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The vision of a Sanitation Sensitive City is one where water and sanitation and circular economy principles is given due prominence in the design of urban area. The premise is that future cities will need to transition into sustainable ecocities in which uses of resources are reduced, recycled and reused. At the same time, it aims to protect society from disease‐causing and environmentally degrading waste and introduce business approaches linked to recycling and re‐use. The aim is to enable economies and societies in general to become more sustainable, autonomous, sustainable and in aligned with the realities of limited environmental resources, including water, energy and food.
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KSA 3: Climate Change Flagship Programme.
Thrust :Cluster 3 ‐ Climate Change, Water Services Operational and Local Impact.
Programme :Energy Use Efficiency as Climate Change Adaptive Measure for Water Services.
Title : Piloting energy audits and energy efficiency as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy for the South African wastewater sector and framing its use in the Drop Certification Programme.
ToR ID : 1009844
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Climate change effects such as temperature increase, drought, floods, more frequent storm events and rising sea levels cause negative impacts at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs. These impacts include declining wastewater quality, higher energy demand and increased treatment requirements. Since climate change is here to stay, the impacts need to be proactively addressed for long term sustainability of wastewater treatment operations.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust :Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme :Effluent Treatment, Volarization and Reuse.
Title : Piloting irrigation using partially‐treated gold mine‐impacted water as a long‐term sustainable solution for mine water from the Witwatersrand Basins.
ToR ID : 1009843
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Eastern, Central and Western Basins of the Witwatersrand goldfields straddling Johannesburg and surrounding towns has witnessed mass‐scale cessation of gold mining operations since the late‐1990s. Termination of pumping of water from the mines in these Basins has resulted in mine flooding, leading to acid mine drainage (AMD) formation in the mine voids.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3:Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme 1:Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production.
Title : Natsurv 19: Water and wastewater management in the Winery Industry (Edition 1).
ToR ID : 1009846
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To review and document water and wastewater management within the winery industry and generate the first edition Natsurv report for the South African winery industry
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3:Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures.
Programme 1:Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production.
Title :Natsurv 15: Water and wastewater management in the oil refining and re‐refining industry (Edition 2) and update of Natsurv 4 on water and wastewater management in the dairy industry.
ToR ID : 1009845
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

To review and document water and wastewater management within the refining and re‐refining industry as part of the first stage of revisions of the Natsurv series and provide an update of Natsurv 4 on water and wastewater management in the dairy industry.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 2: Water Quality Futures.
Programme 4: Emerging issues and substances of concern in water.
Title :Scoping study on the use of water fingerprinting techniques for water pollution monitoring and assessment.
ToR ID : 1009853
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Environmental water quality monitoring and pollution assessment is a fundamental tool for water resources management and it is important for safeguarding against adverse effects from multiple chemical and biological contamination arising from anthropogenic diffuse emissions and point sources. The nature and source, temporal‐spatial pattern, transfer process and intensity of pollution vary significantly area to area. Knowing the source(s) of pollution, loads and associated impacts in a water body is of great value in water quality management as it can inform pollution control and remedial actions required.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 1: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 2: Water services Institutional and management issues.
Title : Towards a systematic review of the Water Services Authority mode.
ToR ID : 1009852
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Consolidate existing knowledge, capturing successes and failures, and identify gaps for future research, to inform an evidence‐based approach for future improvement of the Water Services Authority (WSA) model
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 5: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title :The DDM model and its implications on Water Services Legislation, planning and regulation.
ToR ID : 1009851
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The President in the 2019 Presidency Budget Speech (2019) identified the “pattern of operating in silos” as a challenge which led to “to lack of coherence in planning and implementation and has made monitoring and oversight of government’s programme difficult”. The consequence has been non optimal delivery of services and diminished impact on the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and employment.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 4: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 4: Water services Institutional and management programme
Title :A survey into the municipal water by‐laws and its application in terms of improving the water services environment.
ToR ID : 1009850
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by‐laws, for particular subject areas. These by‐laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation. By‐laws are laws that are passed by the council of a municipality to regulate the affairs and the services the municipality provides in its area of jurisdiction. A municipality derives the power to pass a by‐law from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which gives specified powers and competencies to local government as set out in Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5. By‐laws are laws managed by municipalities.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 3: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 1: smart water supply management.
Title : Scoping study to transition Municipalities into a smart water management model within the current legislation environment.
ToR ID : 1009849
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Smart Water Management (SWM) is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide real‐time, automated data for use in resolving water challenges. SWM can be used for planning and operational purposes, from daily use to organisational and policy planning at a range of scales, across contexts and regions. SWM enables governments, industries and utilities from around the world to integrate smart principles (using ICT) into their urban, regional and national strategies. The potential application of smart systems in water management is wide and by applying SWM infrastructure real‐time solutions can be implemented and broader networks can work together to reduce current water management challenges.
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KSA 3: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures.
Thrust 2: Water sensitive and resilient settlements.
Programme 1: smart water supply management.
Title : Exploring next generation water loss tracking, compliance, management and performance solutions.
ToR ID : 1009848
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system management for decades to come.
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KSA 1: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 1: Governance and institutional arrangements.
Programme 2: Policy, science, and implementation.
Title : Mobilising knowledge and capacity to support ongoing water law reform in South Africa.
ToR ID : 1009841
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

Review the state of capacity and knowledge on water law, together with identification of gaps and needs, to renew attention on water law as an essential field of research, training and practice
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KSA 1: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 3: Water resources and ecosystem protection and utilization.
Programme 1: Resource directed measures
Title : Ecological infrastructure‐climate change and economy nexus through revised present ecological state (PES) lens.
ToR ID : 1009842
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The research has followed silo approach in most cases, where Ecological infrastructure, or resilience to climate change, green economy are not thought and dealt with as a complex, yet they are inter-dependent as in a nexus. The country is missing the state of water resources report, particularly on water quality. Present Ecological State (PES) has the ability to generate this, provided the decade old PES is reviewed and enhanced with latest scientific advancement such as the ecological infrastructure, climate change and economy in a nexus. Therefore the overall aim of this call is to develop a decision support framework that brings the real world of socio-ecological complexity through integrating the economic development demands and impacts of climate change on water resources health.
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KSA :Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : 1. Water sensitive and resilient settlements
Programme 1: Smart water supply management
Title : Smart water metering, trends, opportunities, risks and policy.
ToR ID : 1009847
Contact Person: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2021

Brief description of ToR

The previous decade saw the introduction and growth of smart water advancements in the water metering industry. Growth in the space of platforms such as IoT and advanced communications systems, have allowed water utilities around the world to improve control of their water systems and better understand them. As the industry moves into a new space, the growth of these technologies is expected to not only increase but also help revolutionize water system management for decades to come.
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KSA : KSA 7 Corporate Services (Falling under Shaficks area)
Thrust : Sustainable capacity building of the water sector
Programme : WRC Water Academy
Title : Investigating, Developing and Implementing a WRC Academy from Conceptualisation to Pilot Phase.
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Emelda Pillay <emeldap@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 25 June 2021

Brief description of ToR
The Water Research Commission established through the Water Research Act, has the primary function
of achieving highly informed water decision-making through science and technology at all levels in all
stakeholders’ groups and innovative water solutions through research and development for South Africa
and the world. This purpose is envisioned to be implemented through the following key activities:
- Promote coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research and
development.
- Establish water research needs and priorities.
- Stimulate and fund water research according to priority.
- Promote the effective transfer of information and technology.
- Enhance knowledge and capacity building within the water sector.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust :
Programme: National Siltation Strategy
Title : Development of a Pilot Implementation Plan
ToR ID : 1009837
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane < lesegog@wrc.org.za >
Closing Date: 5 May 2021

South Africa like a number of countries around the world relies heavily on dams to provide essential bulk water supply to its population. Despite extreme climate change events most surface water bodies can naturally regulate their input and output loads of sediment. The construction of dams disrupts normal surface water and sediment flow, leading to sediment being trapped in dams unavailable for essential downstream ecosystem functioning, erosion and ultimately resulting in a reduction in storage capacity of dams over time. Increasingly sediment removal from dams through dredging is seen as a potential way in which to regain lost storage capacity.
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KSA 30: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme : Cooperative governance for water resource management
Title : Participatory course to activate water pricing learning networks
ToR ID :1009836
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 17 May 2021

Brief description of ToR
The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project (EI4WS) is executed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This five-year project, focuses on improving water security by integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into planning, finance and development in the water sector. The Water Research Commission (WRC) is responsible for implementation of a component of EI4WS of social learning, credible evidence and knowledge management. It has been determined in South Africa, as in most countries, that water pricing is complex - with multiple tiers of pricing, multiple tariffs within each tier and numerous institutions playing a role. There is a need within many of these institutions, especially decision makers and EI4WS project partners to strengthen understanding of the governance arrangements, processes and theory underlying water pricing and economic regulation in order to be able to engage effectively with the concepts and language used in pricing strategies, research reports,
and policy-making and tariff-setting processes. Experience through the EI4WS and other projects has shown that many of the actors who engage with
different water pricing processes have an incomplete understanding of the theory and practice.
A strengthened network of water pricing learning would enable participants to collectively develop understanding of the theory underpinning water pricing and its expression within the particular context of South African policy and law. Using their understanding of the current water pricing regime, including its strengths and weaknesses, participants will be empowered to re-imagine future possibilities. This in turn will enable participants to engage capably with both the further development of policy and strategy relevant to water pricing in South Africa (e.g. the pricing strategy for raw water use charges), and consultation processes undertaken by various authorities to revise water tariffs.
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KSA 1&2: Water Resource Management and Ecosystem
Title : TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE DIRECTED MEASURES (GRDM) METHODOLOGY UPDATE; SOFTWARE ENHANCEMENTS AND TRAINING
Contact Person: Mr Yazeed Van Wyk <yazeedv@wrc.org.za>, Ms Gerda Kruger <gerdak@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 12 February 2021

Total Funds Available: R4 000 000 (vat incl)
Year 1: R1 500 000
Year 2: R2 000 000
Year 3: R500 000

Chapter 3 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA) focuses on the protection of South Africa’s water resources. This is meant to ensure that water is available for current and future use. Protection therefore involves the sustaining of a certain quantity and quality of water to maintain the overall ecological functioning of rivers, wetlands, estuaries and groundwater.
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Business Unit KSA22: Water RDI Roadmap CIU
Thrust: Student Funding
Title: WRC/DEA/DSI OPPORTUNITY: Water RDI Roadmap 2020 Postgraduate Student Bursary Call

Contact Person: For enquiries, please contact Sarah Ravhudzulo, Water RDI Roadmap Coordinator: SarahR@wrc.org.za or Shanna Nienaber, Water RDI Roadmap Manager: ShannaN@wrc.org.za
Open Date: 09 September 2020
Closing Date: 11 October 2020
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Business Unit KSA 15: Water Technologies Demonstration
Thrust: 4
Title: Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges, addressing water access and provision during the COVID 19 Pandemic

Contact Person: Dr Manjusha Sunil on manjushas@wrc.org.za and Ms Klariska Moodley on acceleratorlabs.za@undp.org
Open Date: 07 August 2020
Closing Date: 03 September 2020
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Development of Municipal guidelines for the selection of sanitation packaged plants, non-sewered sanitation and other alternative sanitation solutions municipalities
Business Unit KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust THRUST 3: Business Development
Programme Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Development of Municipal guidelines for the selection of sanitation packaged plants, non-sewered sanitation and other alternative sanitation solutions municipalities
ToR ID : 1009805
Contact Person : Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 02 October 2020

Brief description of ToR :
Local governments in South Africa are mandated by the Constitution to provide water and sanitation services limited to potable water supply systems and domestic wastewater and sewage disposal. This obligation is outlined in the Water Services Act and the Municipal Systems Act. While there are various intersections and support provided by other structures of governments such as the national government through several national departments and various regional and provincial bodies, municipalities remain at the coalface of the delivery of sanitation services to the end-user.
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Evaluation and assessment of Dry Sanitation Systems
Business Unit KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust THRUST 3: Business Development
Programme Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Evaluation and assessment of Dry Sanitation Systems
ToR ID : 1009821
Contact Person : Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 02 October 2020

Brief description of ToR :
The world’s six billion people produce over a million tons of faeces daily (Peasey 2000). Human waste collection, transportation, treatment, and safe disposal is essential to maintaining hygiene and preventing transmission of diseases through the faecal-oral route. Sanitation systems can be broadly classified into waterborne and dry sanitation systems. The former refers to systems that requires water to function while the later does not. While waterborne sanitation is perceived as the gold standards and usually preferred to dry sanitation systems, the reliance on water in view of water stress and climate change considerations makes this option unsustainable.
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Water YECP Advert_September 2019 Final
Water YECP EOI Template_Round 2_September 2019
Closing Date: 18 October 2019
Title : Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (A partnership between the Department of Science and Innovation and the Water Research Commission)
Contact Person: Mrs Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

The Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitable candidates in response to the annual WADER Young Engineers “Changemakers” Programme (YECP) Open Call which focuses on selecting young South African Engineers to be part of a 1-year training programme that will enable them to gain the necessary skills to drive municipalities of the future.
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KSA : 3 Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures (WUWRSF)
Title : Scoping study to explore hydro potential in the in the nearby vicinity of Baakens river and the lake
ToR ID :
Contact Person: Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 November 2021

Brief description of ToR
The objective is to evaluate the hydro potential (mega, micro and pico) in the vicinity of Baakens river and the lake of the jurisdiction of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
area to assist in harnessing all available energy resources in complimenting energy requirements to improve long term energy sustainability.
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Supporting social learning and knowledge management within the Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project
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The Implementation of the Integrated Algal Pond System at Barberton in Mbombela Municipality
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My role in mitigating the impacts of drought: Lessons from the Western Cape through a video for all stakeholders
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The status of wastewater as an untapped resource in South Africa
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KSA 9
Thrust 3 - Business Development
Programme 2 - Impact Expansion
ToR ID - 1009760
Title:Market Analysis: Determining the extent and potential of a water to energy market in South Africa (waste and small/micro hydro)
Closing Date : 15 May 2019 Extended from the previous call on FMS
Contact Person:
- Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Mr Bennie Mokgonyana benniem@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

Global reports approximate the waste to energy market value at USD 28.43 billion in 2017 towards an expected USD 42.74 billion by 2025. The Waste Water Treatment to Energy (WWTtE) market saw capital and operational investments of USD 531 million in 2017. When considering that wastewater is a carrier of over 50% of waste resources that is either lost or unrecovered as materials, energy and water, why is this circular opportunity not being taken up? The City of Cape Town working with New Horizon Energy saw a R400 million waste-to-energy investment project, that was upfront deemed viable, put on hold. What are the blockages and pathways to market being missed by current research?
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KSA 9
ToR ID - 1009761
Title: Market Analysis: Determining the extent and potential of a Water-Smart Agriculture market in South Africa
Closing Date : 15 May 2019 Extended from the previous call on FMS
Contact Person:
- Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Ms Sandra Fritz sandraf@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

The Agricultural sector in South Africa contributes approximately 3% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and plays a significant role for employment and job creation. The sector is dependent on approximately 63% of the countries water allocation. Variable rainfall patterns not only affects dam and surface water but also groundwater recharge. Rising temperatures, climate change and droughts have serious long-term consequences for South Africa’s food security. When coupled with the growing impacts on the quality of our water sources due to e.g. pollution from agricultural run-off, South Africa requires a focused approach to shifting the sector to more sustainable practices.
In a water stressed South Africa, conventional agricultural practices such as irrigation, mitigation of production losses and yield improvement continue to exacerbate detrimental environmental effects and water constraints in South Africa. Studies have shown that there is an increasing interest in agricultural innovation by investors in response to the state of water in South Africa. Reducing pollution and soil degradation, improved information systems, models and rolling out of water efficiency technologies for irrigation are emerging as key opportunities for sustainable farming. As much as fruit and wine farmers are embedding sustainable and water efficient practices and technologies into their operations, the potential size and focus of a Water Smart Agriculture (WSA) market in South Africa requires crucial consideration.

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KEY STRATEGIC AREA (KSA) 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture
THRUST 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
PROGRAMME 1: Sustainable water – based agricultural activities in rural areas communities
Title: WEF Nexus Project
ToR ID : 1009762

Closing Date : 15 May 2019
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KSA 1-2
ToR ID - 1009779
Title: Revision of the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Development of risk-based approach using aquatic ecosystems responses
Closing Date : 29 June 2019
Contact Person:
- Mr Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
- Ms Penny Jaca pennyj@wrc.org.za Administrative queries

To review and develop an electronic based decision support system (software) able to provide
both site-specific and generic risk-based water quality guidelines for South African aquatic
ecosystems
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KSA 03
ToR ID - 1009778
Closing Date : 29 June 2019
Contact Person:-
Email Subject Title: Revision of the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Volume 3 - Industrial Water Use

Email Queries
Scientific : johnz@wrc.org.za
Administration: benniem@wrc.org.za

To revise the 1996 South African Water Quality Guidelines: Volume 3 – Industrial Water Use and
develop a software-based decision support system able to provide both site-specific and generic
risk-based South African water quality guidelines for industrial water use.
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Closing Date : 15 June
Title: Understanding the Policy and Regulatory Barriers for Water and Sanitation RDI Implementation in South Africa
Contact : Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za

To examine and provide insight to the policy and regulatory factors and barriers for water sector RDI uptake in South Africa
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Title: Quantities and Quality of Poop and Pee in School Sanitation Facilities
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009783
Closing Date : 01 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

Rural school sanitation has in the recent years been under the spotlight due to unfortunate incidents of school
learners falling into latrine structures. Research produced by the WRC has shown the challenge to be linked to
deficiencies in sanitation infrastructure management, limited technical options for rural schools which are largely
confined to dry, latrine toilets, and user behavior challenges. In response to challenges experienced with school
latrine toilets, President Cyril Ramaphosa requested an audit of school sanitation infrastructure.
The audit revealed that there are 3 898 schools that require appropriate sanitation interventions.
To address this challenge, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the “Sanitation Appropriate for Education” (SAFE) initiative
that aims to replace latrine structures with new models that take into account the joint water-energy constraints.
New engineering approaches would need to be guided by data that define the operational limitations for rural school sanitation.
The WRC has identified a knowledge gap in this regard and this project aims to provide a combination of observational
data coupled with empirical research to understand the relationships that can inform the development of new school
sanitation options.

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Title: Guidelines for the Utilisation and Disposal of Faecal Sludge: Requirements for the Collection and Subsequent Disposal or Valorisatiion of Faecal Sludges
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009782
Closing Date : 01 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

To develop Guidelines for Faecal Sludge Collection and subsequent Disposal or Valorisation that regulatory authorities,
managers and practitioners responsible for faecal sludge management can easily understand and incorporate as part of
their service provision operations.

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Title: Understanding bound water content and water binding strength in Faecal Sludge from on-site sanitation technologies and human faeces
KSA 3
Thrust : Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation
Programme : 5
ToR ID - 1009781
Closing Date : 1 July 2019
Contact Person:
-Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The understanding of faecal sludge dewatering and drying behaviour remains a major bottleneck in the cost-efficiency
of current faecal sludge beneficiation technologies.
This project seeks to address two challenges in parallel; i) provide insight to the scientific processes that limit
faecal sludge dewatering and drying processes, with emphasis of water binding in faecal sludges, and ii) to develop
appropriate techniques and methodology to scientifically evaluate water binding in faecal sludges.
It is envisaged that the research will result in following benefits. First, it will provide process optimization for
volume and mass reduction which can reduce the cost of transport and subsequent treatment. Second, sludge that is
processed with a low moisture content and significant organic content can be repurposed into biofuel. And lastly,
the research will result in the development of standardized methods for faecal sludge characterization.

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Title: SASTEP Field-testing Guideline
KSA 9
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP
Closing Date : 16 August 2019
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The South African Sanitation Technology Evaluation Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to proper sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the country’s GDP

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Title: Terms of Reference for the development of policy and technical awareness materials and guidelines for SANS/ISO 30500 and ISO 24521
KSA 9 Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP

Title : Development of policy and technical awareness materials and guidelines for SANS/ISO 30500 and ISO 24521
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za Scientific queries

The South African Sanitation Technology Evaluation Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the Water Research Commission (WRC) providing programme implementation and support services. The programme aims to foster a local sanitation industry (manufacturing and services) that would increase access to proper sanitation, reduce pollution, improve water security, create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the country’s GDP.

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Title: Market Research Study
KSA 9
Thrust : 3 Business Development
Programme : 13 SASTEP
Title : Market Research Study: Determining the opportunity and feasibility of innovative sanitation market (sanitation economy) in South Africa.
Contact Person: Ms Charmaine Twala charmainet@wrc.org.za Scientific queries
Closing Date: 12:00pm, 30 August 2019

The South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) entered into a partnership agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and The South African Water Research Commission (WRC) to pilot, demonstrate and commercialise innovative sanitation technologies, including the “Reinvent the toilet” technologies developed through the BMGF, within the framework of South African Sanitation Technology Demonstration Programme (SASTEP). The WRC provides programme implementation and support services, whilst the DST and the BMGF provide investment to support the implementation of the programme. SASTEP requires a multi- stakeholder approach that involves research councils, universities, municipalities, government departments, funders and commercial partners to ensure that the sanitation innovation value chain is developed in support of the roll out of next generation sanitation technologies. The programme activities are aligned to the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board commercial partners capable to provide industrial support base for the local and regional markets and disrupt where appropriate the current paradigm of water conveyance based infrastructure leading to a more water secure future

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Title: Evaluation and Development of a Business Case for the Water Innovations Company
KSA 9
ToR ID : 1009790
Closing Date : 10 January 2019
* Technical queries Valerie Naidoo valerien@wrc.org.za
* Administrative queries Sarah Ravhudzulo sarahr@wrc.org.za

The study is aimed at evaluating and developing a business case for a water innovations company. This demands a focus on:
The core customers for the Water Innovations Company,
The value proposition
The cost structure, and potential revenue and business models
Key strategic partners and their willingness to pay for the services
Skills and capability requirements within the recommended operating environment
The governance model of the company
The enabling and/or disabling legislative environment to enable the company to be fully operative
The competitive environment
A roadmap for implementation

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Title: Cross-sectoral PhD tracing study
KSA number: 1&2
ToR ID: 1009785
Closing Date: 27 September 2019
Contact person
Scientific queries: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Administrative queries: Penny Jaca pennyj@wrc.org.za

The training of doctoral students is a long and costly endeavor. The question of the return on investment on such long education and training endeavours is a policy concern from the public funders of education. Doctoral graduates are considered the best qualified for creating, implementing and disseminating new knowledge and innovation, and therefore information about the socioeconomic impact of their training is essential in knowledge-based and complex economies. This study aims to generate some of this information by tracing the mobility, career paths and other attributes of a representative sample of PhD graduates from South African universities across a range of sectors and disciplines.
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Title : Review of the 2020 vision for Water and Sanitation education programme
Advert review of the VfWSEP FINAL JAN 2020
KSA number 26
ToR ID : 1009791
Closing Date : 14 February 2020
Contact person : hlengiwec@wrc.org.za

Programme review - The department of water and sanitation 2020 vision for water and sanitation education programme (2020 VfWSEP)
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Title: Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 6: Water Resources innovation and Technologies
Programme P4: Models and early warning systems
Title : Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
Contact Person: Mr. Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 29 February 2020

Citizen science weather stations monitoring network for early warning and resilience
chitosan-based adsorbents nanotechnology
To develop a monitoring network as a citizen scientists tool for early detection of disasters related to changing
weather and climate in order mitigate their impacts on livelihood
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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS FACILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Business model canvas facilitation and development
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 17 April 2020

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is a national coordination programme implemented by the Water Research Commission and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). SASTEP aims to create a new sanitation industry through the development, demonstration and commercialisation of innovative sanitation technologies. The programme activities are aligned to the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board commercial partners capable to provide industrial support base for the local and regional markets and disrupt where appropriate the current paradigm of water conveyance based infrastructure leading to a more water secure future. The programme is aligned to the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) strategy to address commercialisation, localisation and manufacturing by bringing on board capable commercial partners to provide an industrial support base for the local and regional markets. The intent of the programme is to support and accelerate the application and uptake of the new sanitation technologies through demonstration, testing and science-based improvements towards localisation and industrialisation.

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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE SCANNING, TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROTOCOL FOR LOW FLUSH TOILET PEDSTAL
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Scanning, testing and development of a quality assurance protocol for low flush toilet pedstal
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 March 2020

• Scanning, identifying and compiling a compendium of commercially available and developmental stage low flush toilets available in South Africa
• Sub-categorization of available low flush toilet technologies such as water based, vacuum, low suction types etc.
• Development of general requirements, technical requirements, specifications, performance testing and other protocols that can form the basis for the standardization of low flush toilet technologies
• Application of the developed requirements, specification and testing protocol listed above on commercially and developmental available low flush toilets
• Determining the impact of low flush on water consumption at the household and municipal level
• Determine the impact of low flush toilet on piping and plumbing within the boundaries of the household and on the municipal reticulation system
• Provide, through a case study on a chosen area, the impact of low flush on household water use, sewage volumes and the downstream wastewater treatment plant

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Title: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW OF POLICIES, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND BYLAWS LOW FLUSH / WATER EFFICIENT TOILETS
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Desktop review of policies, regulations, standards and bylaws low flush / water efficient toilets
Contact Person: Mr. Akin Akinsente akina@wrc.org.za
Ms. Charmaine Twana charmainet@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 March 2020

The recent drought in Cape Town served as a warning to not only south Africa but to other nations on the need to have a proactive and sustainable water resource management strategy. The Cape Town drought embodied the country’s vulnerability to climate change and dwindling water resources. This problem is however not unique to the Western Cape as drought conditions have been reported across the country in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo. The impact of the drought, climate change and dwindling water resources in the country is further exacerbated by the excessive and unsustainable use by end-users, leaks and poor resource management. South Africa consumes up to 250 litres per capita per day compared to a world average of 180 litres per capita per day (Heeden & Cilliers, 2014). A move towards water sensitive cities and settlements is an imperative and water conservancy technology is therefore an important tool in the water demand management toolbox to minimize adverse impact on the economy and well-being of society. It has further advantage of delaying capital expenditure for larger supply systems required to meet demands due to high rate pf urban migration.
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Title: Cyber governance in the water sector - final March 2020
KSA : Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 1: Water services – institutional and management issues
Programme 3: Institutional and management issues
Title : Cyber governance in the water sector - final March 2020
ToR ID : 1009801
Contact Person: Dr. Nonhlanhla Kalebaila nonhlanhlak@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 May 2020

Increasing population coupled to the envisaged economic growth and development mean that the delivery of basic services will become indispensable and more challenging. As a result, governments and constituent entities are embracing digitalization to support the provision of basic services to all citizens and simultaneously improving operational efficiencies and reducing the costs to offer such services. These developments are highly relevant to the water and sanitation sector, in particular, for the South African environment characterised by scarce water resources and increasing demand for water for sustainable development, against deteriorating water quality, water losses and other operational inefficiencies negatively affecting water services delivery.
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Branch : Research and Development
Impact Area: Water quality and health
Programme 3: Institutional and management issues
Title : Expression of interest (EOI) call for a national programme for monitoring covid-19 spread in communities using a water and sanitation-based approach
ToR ID : 1009803
Contact Email Address covid19@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 01 June 2020

The current Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation
(WHO). COVID-19 is caused by the novel zoonotic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that was isolated in Wuhan, China
in January 2020. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of Coronavirus whose members include SARS-CoV and
MERS-CoV viruses that are responsible for outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle
East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
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Title: Ecosystem responses to the large scale use of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants
KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust : 4 Environmental change
Programme : 4 Ecosystems risks and disaster management
Title : Ecosystem responses to the large scale use of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
Time Frame: 36 Months

The aim of the study will be to generate knowledge critical to understand ecosystems responses and the risks of introducing disinfectant and anti-viral chemicals in large amounts (as is the current case with the current COVID-19 interventions) in aquatic ecosystems and biota, such as rivers, estuaries, springs, dams and wetlands
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Title: Valuation of Research, Development and Innovation by WRC’s stakeholders
KSA : KSA8
Thrust : Strategic Planning
Programme : Research and Development
Title : Valuation of Research, Development and Innovation by WRC’s stakeholders
Contact Person: Dr. Stanley Liphadzi stanleyl@wrc.org.za
Time Frame: July 2020 – July 2021

The WRC is a member of the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC). The GWRC members discuss,
engage, and initiate projects that advance Research, Development and Innovation in water and
sanitation which address common challenges or interests. In the previous meetings of the GWRC,
members agreed to initiate several research projects. The project about “Valuation of water research
and Innovation” is one the projects that the WRC expressed interest to participate in. Our participation
as the WRC requires us to initiate a case study focusing on South Africa (involving our key stakeholders).
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Title: Developing a decision support system for estimating the water use and water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the Inkomati – Usuthu Water Management Area (WMA)
KSA : Water Utilisation in Agriculture.
Thrust : 1 Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production
Programme : 1 Water – efficient production methods in relation to soil, crops and technology in rain – fed and irrigation agriculture.
Title : Developing a decision support system for estimating the water use and water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the Inkomati – Usuthu Water Management Area (WMA)
Contact Person: Prof Sylvester Mpandeli sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 30 June 2020

To determine the water use, yield and quality of selected crops such as Banana; Mango, Litchis, Sugarcane, and Citrus from planting to full bearing in selected climatic zones and specific soils in the WMA.
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Title: The Benefits of Industrial Design for Sanitation Technology Development and Transfer
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : SASTEP
Programme : SASTEP
Title : The Benefits of Industrial Design for Sanitation Technology Development and Transfer
ToR ID : 1009806
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 03 August 2020

The South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) is an initiative driven by the Water Research Commission (WRC) to foster the commercialisation and uptake of next-generation sanitation solutions and technologies. The programme coordinates the national system of innovation (NSI) around next-generation sanitation technologies. The programme is working with both local and international technology innovators and providing a platform to assist them with the commercialization of their respective technologies. The SASTEP initiative provides a platform to assist these innovators and commercial partners matched with an innovator, with a platform to demonstrate their technology to ensure it is functional, safe and performs to requirement, and user acceptability.
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Title: Market entry study and scanning for potable pit emptying devices
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : Business Development
Programme : SASTEP
Title : Market entry study and scanning for potable pit emptying devices
ToR ID : 1009809
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2020

Pit latrines are one of the major types of sanitation technologies used in South Africa especially in rural, low income densely populated informal settlements and peri-urban areas. according to the white paper on Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (1994), adequate basic sanitation provision for a household is defined as one well-constructed Ventilated Improved Pit toilet (VIP) toilet. The 2018 General Household Survey issued by Statistics South Africa showed that 31% of South African households use a pit latrine.
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Title: Market entry study for decentralized wastewater treatment systems which are design according to low water, energy and carbon and recycling principles
KSA : Business Development and Innovation
Thrust : Business Development
Programme : SASTEP
Title : Market entry study for decentralized wastewater treatment systems which are design according to low water, energy and carbon and recycling principles
ToR ID : 1009810
Contact Person: Mr Akin Akinsete akina@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 31 July 2020

The health, social, and environmental benefits of improved sanitation are maximized when sanitation is planned for and provided in an integrated way with water supply and other municipal services. Traditionally, the default mechanism to achieve integrated planning and development for water and sanitation services is through municipality-driven integrated development. This approach often favors centralized, high capex infrastructure approach which is beyond the reach of many developmental states.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust: Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme: Cooperative governance for water resource management
Title: Participatory course to activate Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security learning networks
ToR ID: 1009817
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 2 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project (EI4WS) is executed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This five-year project, focuses on improving water security by integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into planning, finance and development in the water sector. The Water Research Commission (WRC) is responsible for implementation of a component of EI4WS aimed at improving the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into the water value chain through social learning, credible evidence and knowledge management. The approach taken in component 3 is guided by a Social Learning and Knowledge Management (SLKM) strategy that was developed with stakeholders and partners. The work envisaged in these terms of reference will respond to the recommendations of the strategy and partner with existing initiatives highlighted as important.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust: Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Programme: Gender and Equity
Title: Strengthening the knowledge base and capacity to support the transformation of Irrigation Boards to Water User Associations
ToR ID: 1009811
Contact Person: John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 2 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The National Water Act envisaged that the numerous Irrigation Boards established under previous legislation would cease to exist, being disestablished or converted into Water User Associations (WUAs) soon after the Act came into effect. To date, however, numerous Irrigation Boards have still to be transformed into WUAs and aligned to the core objectives of the Act. The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has now revived the stalled transformation process. This research project will support this process, by consolidating and expanding the knowledge base on the transformation of Irrigation Boards to WUAs, and facilitating the inclusion of this knowledge in relevant transformation processes. This will include undertaking two detailed case studies in the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area in the Western Cape.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP4 - Training and Capacity Development
ToR ID: 1009814
Contact Person: Michelle Hiestermann michelleh@wrc.org.za
Virginia Molose virginiam@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The main objective of this project will be an empowered new cohort of skilled professionals and citizens to enhance and improve the efficiency of dam siltation management. The development of a Siltation management strategy for dams in South Africa will provide a new framework, models and protocols to manage dam siltation in a holistic manner. The multi-disciplinary and sector approaches will provide the opportunity to simultaneously develop new skills, learning materials and create a community of practitioners. Training and capacity development that is inclusive of experienced dam managers, young professionals identified as potential successors (supporting, but not limited to, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Learning Academy trainee engineers, scientists and technicians), Catchment Management Agencies, as well as local community representatives, will contribute to better long-term dam siltation management. Embedded training and capacity development will enable organisations and individuals to adapt to the technological changes and challenges by effectively adopting new ways of managing siltation in rivers.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP3 - Sustainable Dredging of Dams
ToR ID: 1009816
Contact Person: Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa euniceuj@wrc.org.za
Wandile Nomquphu wandilen@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The main objective of this project will be to develop a sustainable dam dredging model and protocols for a variety of “learning” dams and contexts. Dams and reservoirs inevitably face the problem of sedimentation accumulation over time which leads to the loss of capacity to store water and the potential effects on the structural integrity. Dam sedimentation leads to clogging, disruption of the sediment balance, and the increasing accumulation of polluted sediments. Historically, sediment management strategies have included constructing sediment traps, raising the dam or building of a new dam BUT this does not solve the sedimentation accumulation in the dam. Therefore, an alternative strategy is to remove the sediment from the dam by dredging. Dredging will lead to the increase in the water storage volume, enhance the water quality and remove contaminated material. However, dredging of dams is a costly exercise and must be well considered. Prevention of sediment inflows will be key to the implementation of any successful dam rehabilitation plan. However, in many cases we do not have the option of developing new dam infrastructure. Dredged sediment quality might be compromised due to sediment contamination with hazardous concentrations of substances both chemical and biological in nature. Considerations as to when to dredge, how to dredge and with what dredging equipment, and what to use the dredged sediment for need to be based on an efficient sediment quality monitoring system, hazardous waste methodology as well as a health risk assessment protocols derived for the intended use of the sediment (on land use or return to the surface water body).
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP2 - Dam engineering and socio-ecological systems
ToR ID: 1009812
Contact Person: Bonani Madikizela bonanim@wrc.org.za
John Dini johnd@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The most cost-effective means to manage dam siltation is through smart infrastructure and catchment interventions. In the South African context, while both engineering and catchment approaches are reasonably well developed to varying degrees in their own right, there is a less well developed body of knowledge and practice around integrating these in order to enable a holistic, optimized grey-green infrastructure approach with clearly defined costs and benefits. A multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach is required to operationalize the integrated management of land and water, by utilising expertise from engineers, planners, economists, social and natural scientists, and citizen scientists. The aim of this project will be to generate and test tools that will enable the alleviation of dam siltation through optimized catchment management as well as dam engineering methodologies (e.g. integrating both ecological and built infrastructure) and innovations.
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KSA: Water Resources and Ecosystems
Title: SP1 - Siltation Management Strategy
ToR ID: 1009813
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za
Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze chantalrk@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 16 August 2020

Brief description of ToR
The aim of the strategy is to build on previous initiatives and recommendations and investigate new and improved methodologies and practices for key entities to drive management, improvement and implementation of a siltation management strategy for State dams. This will include Siltation Management related to Dam Basin Management and Catchment Management dependencies or activities. The strategy development process will provide a situational analysis, engage a broad range of stakeholders, map the drivers and challenges linked to potential solutions , and provide an up to date state of dam siltation management in South Africa. Further primary data collection will be required to complement that of the DWS databases and modelled to identify siltation prone areas, siltation rates, load and quality characteristics amongst others. This will result in a framework for dam storage design and management. International partners will be included and global
practises will be benchmarked to review current management practices. Key to the strategy development is the development of the relevant tools, models, frameworks, protocols, guides and plans to assist with the implementation and monitoring of the strategy
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Business Unit KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust THRUST 1: WATER SERVICES – INSTITUTIONAL AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Programme Programme 2: Institutional and management issues - Water services
Title Independent water production and producers in South Africa
ToR ID 1009818
Contact Person Jay Bhagwan jbhagwan@wrc.org.za
Closing Date 31 July 2020

Brief description of ToR :
The objective of this study is to determine the role and function of the concept of independent water production and independent water producers (IWP) in the South Africa water legislative environment.
In his SONA 200 address the President indicated the aspect of independent water production and by implication the establishment of IWP as a mechanism to deal with water challenges. This is a fairly new concept for the South African water sector and institutional environment, which has not been well researched and analyzed, or utilized. Global experience from the situation of the low-income and poor urban communities highlights the importance of this type of private sector involvement in water and sanitation delivery. Until now, little work has been done to understand or to develop the capacity of the alternative production and providers, since their activity was perceived as a temporary and marginal solution.
It is therefore important to deepen our understanding of the operating environment and incentives faced by independent water production and producers so that we can mainstream such opportunities to the benefit of our processes and program.
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KSA : Water Resources and Ecosystems
Thrust 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND ADAPTATION
Programme P4: Environmental risk and disaster management
Title : Post-drought and emergency interventions: Towards higher water security
ToR ID : 1009822
Contact Person: Dr Shafick Adams shaficka@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 27 October 2020

This primary objective of this study will focus on assessing the responses of institutions to recent and on-going drought spells as well as other emergency interventions. This is to enable the development of strategic capabilities within institutions charged with water security and resilience.
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KSA : DSI Innovation Partnership for Rural Development Programme
Thrust N/A
Programme N/A
Title : The Implementation of the Integrated Algal Pond System at Barberton, Mbombela Municipality
ToR ID : 1009823
Contact Person: Dr John Zvimba johnz@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 30 November 2020

This research study is divided into two phases. Phase one aims to investigate the feasibility for biogas recovery, water and biomass reuse potential in support of community gardens post implementation of a demonstration Integrated Algal Pond System (IAPS). The feasibility study outcomes will inform any required skills transfer activities in support of operations and maintenance of IAPS within South African municipalities. The second phase focuses on the construction of an IAPS demonstration plant at the Barberton wastewater treatment works (WWTW) as part of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) funded Innovation Partnership for Rural Development Programme (IPRDP).
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Assessment, evaluation, and market entry study for incineration household toilet units
Contact Person: Akin Akinsete <akina@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 11 November 2020

Incineration toilet is a dry sanitation system that uses an energy source to burn collected human faeces, reducing it to pathogen-free ash. Incinerating toilets may be powered by electricity, gas, charcoal, biochar, or other energy sources. The human waste is collected within the unit, in an integral ashpan and then incinerated. Some incineration toilets are designed to incinerate "grey water" from showers and sinks. Incinerator toilets were originally designed to replace outhouses in residential areas that lack waste management, power, or water facilities.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 4: Saniti
Programme COVID-19
Title : Development of a framework for water quality-based COVID-19 Epidemiology Surveillance for Non-Sewered Communities
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay – sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 13 November 2020

The infectious Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main transmission route of the virus appears to be through respiratory drops from infected individuals and direct contact with surfaces that have a viable virus. Scientific evidence from around the world has shown that both the viable virus and remnants (genetic material) can also be detected in the human faecal waste of some infected individuals. This knowledge has been applied to develop a complementary wastewater-based COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance tool.
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KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture
Thrust 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
Programme 2: Integrated water management for profitable farming systems
Title : Enhancing water and food security through improved agricultural water productivity: new knowledge, innovations, and applications
ToR ID : 1009826
Contact Person: Sylvester Mpandeli - sylvesterm@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 15 December 2020

The general aim is to edit a book that provides a synthesis of existing knowledge, case studies and best practices related to agricultural water use and water productivity from the global South and other key global regions
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KSA 9: (Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Water utilisation for poverty reduction and wealth creation in agriculture
Programme 2: (Capacity building and training programmes)
Title : Developing and Piloting the Water Graduate Employment Programme for Unemployed Graduates
Contact Person: Dr Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 27 November 2020

According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA 2020), Youth account for 63% of unemployed persons in South Africa with an unemployment rate of 43%. Amongst this percentage are unemployed graduates with an unemployment rate of 33%. Investing in employment pathways and platforms for unemployed graduates is central to firstly, building on past education investments and secondly, creating economic buffers that support New and Just Transitions. The National System of Innovation (NSI) framework and the Master Plans, aimed at economic recovery, raise these key factors and the need for inclusive socio-economic development. The vulnerability of unemployed graduates in the South African labour market cannot go unaddressed and should be viewed as a key initiative within South Africa’s Economic Recovery Plan.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 2: Impact Expansion
Title : Improving the sustainability of social-ecological innovations applied in the water sector to enhance water securityContact Person: Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 04 December 2020

Social-ecological innovation is defined as social and process innovations that create new concepts, strategies, ideas, organisations and institutions that are able to enhance the capacity of social-ecological systems that generate essential ecosystem services (Stockholm Resilience, 2018). It has been noted over time that innovation is not always for the better, in opposition with sustainable futures and safeguarding equitable human development.
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 2: Impact Expansion
Title : Water innovations market demand analysis in the mining sector
Contact Person: Chantal Ramcharan-Kotze <chantalrk@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 04 December 2020

The mining industry has for many decades contributed significantly to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this is at an externalised environmental cost including negative impacts on surface and groundwater, poor waste management, acid mine water formation and ecological degradation. Section 28 of the MPRDA imposes full rehabilitation of the mining area on the mine owner; whilst the National Water Act requires that mine owners cease, modify, comply, eliminate and remedy pollution impacts on water resources.
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KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
Thrust 4: Saniti
Programme 2: Sanitation Sensitive Design
Title : Strategies to recover resources from sanitation waste: Developing
a national sanitation resource recovery policy based on material
flows (quantity and quality)
ToR ID : 1009831
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay <sudhirp@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 18 January 2021
Total Funds Available: R1 500 000.00 (Year 1: R500,000, Year 2: R500,000, Year 3: R500,000)

Many cities are not considered sustainable as they do not utilise resources efficiently. There is a desire to
transform from linear take-use-dispose consumption of goods and services towards circular economy
principles of reducing, reusing and recycling. The generation and subsequent safe treatment of sanitation
waste is an integral part of city planning. The sanitation supply chain is critical aspect of the urban water
chain and offers several opportunities to recover resources and the close the resource loop in towns and
cities. Under conditions of limited natural resources, population growth and rapidly urbanizing populations,
a paradigm shift may be required that considers sanitation waste as a resource with potential for material
and energy recovery. Opportunities are available for water, organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy
metals, and energy recovery
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The Water Research Commission (WRC) of South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
are launching the Water Seed Fund of up to R200,000 per project which will be made available for
innovation-oriented projects conducted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in the water sector. The objective of the WRC TIA Water Seed Fund is to support
pre-seed and seed activities with the intention to develop innovations into next stage “investor fundable”
opportunities. With this funding, the WRC and TIA intend to increase the rate of commercialisation of
water-related intellectual property (IP) generated from South African research and development.

Due Date: 29 Jan 2021 for WRC - TIA Water Seed Fund Call for Innovations addressing South Africa’s Water Challenges
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The SmartSAN Grand Challenge aims to fund revolutionary sanitation ideas and concepts that, if having good potential, will be supported and accelerated across the innovation value chain to facilitate disruption of the current binary sanitation engineering paradigm. SmartSAN is focussed on the development of household or communal / residential sanitation systems. The perfect solution would be a toilet system that has a high user acceptance and is aspirational, offers user convenience, does not require sewers for functioning, and eliminates pathogens, sludge production and the need for constant water and energy supply while generation products and services of economic value. For Phase 1 of SMARTSAN, the WRC is seeking innovative and revolutionary ideas for treating human faecal waste in which proof-of-concept can be determined. This links below provide the details of the strategy and performance and design criteria specified to match the WRC’s vision of new sanitation.

Due Date: 18 Jan 2021 for submission of EOI
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KSA 9: Business Development and Innovation
Thrust 3: Business Development
Programme 13: SASTEP
Title : Development of a gender intentionality strategy and framework for SASTEP
ToR ID :1009833
Contact Person: Akin Akinsente <akina@wrc.org.za>
Closing Date: 26 March 2021

Gender is a socially and culturally constructed ideas of what it is to be male or female in a specific context.
Intentionality means the fact of being deliberate or purposive on a particular issue. Gender intentionality
can therefore be loosely defined as the fact of being deliberate or purposive on gender issues. There is a
perception that gender intentionality is biased towards the female and exclusion of the male gender.
Gender intentional as opposed to gender neutrality is more inclusionary and takes a view of the diverse
needs of both genders. The interrogation of issues through a gender lens tends to result in better outcomes
for society as the needs, aspirations and rights of different groups are not taken for granted or glossed over
but actively examined to produce an inclusive outcome.
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KSA 35: Special Programme
Programme : PepsiCo Foundation / CAF America - Safe water network
Title : Demonstration of Pour Flush Latrines in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
ToR ID : 1009834
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay – sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date: 12 May 2021

The Pour Flush toilet developed through from funding from Water Research Commission (WRC) combines the advantages of both waterborne and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine systems while eliminating their disadvantages. It has been tried-and-tested in the field for more than 6-years now and the results to date indicate that this is an appropriate step up the sanitation ladder from the basic VIP. There is a need for more demonstration projects to be built over South Africa so that role players in the sanitation sector can see for themselves how the system works and can satisfy themselves that this is a reliable and sound option for the future.
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WRC/DSI: The Emerging Researcher Acceleration Programme - Doctoral Support Call

Application Template

This strategic synergy has resulted in a partnership emerging between DSI and WRC to support the emerging researcher pipeline in the water sector. In 2024/25 DSI and WRC have made funding available to support doctoral students in topics that are aligned the WRC strategic plan, and also the themes of the National Water RDI Roadmap.
The WRC thematic focal areas are:
1. Water availability
2. Water use
3. Water quality and health

Application details and contacts:
o To apply, use this link: Doctoral Student Support
o Closing date for applications: 11 December 2024

For enquiries, please contact: Sarah Ravhudzulo, Water RDI Roadmap Coordinator: Sarahr@wrc.org.za or Shanna Nienaber, RDI Programme Manager Shannan@wrc.org.za
We look forward to receiving your applications!

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WRC/DSI: The Emerging Researcher Acceleration Programme - Doctoral Support Call

WRC/DSI: The Emerging Researcher Acceleration Programme - Doctoral Support Call

Application Template

This strategic synergy has resulted in a partnership emerging between DSI and WRC to support the emerging researcher pipeline in the water sector. In 2024/25 DSI and WRC have made funding available to support doctoral students in topics that are aligned the WRC strategic plan, and also the themes of the National Water RDI Roadmap.
The WRC thematic focal areas are:
1. Water availability
2. Water use
3. Water quality and health

Application details and contacts:
o To apply, use this link: Doctoral Student Support
o Closing date for applications: 11 December 2024

For enquiries, please contact: Sarah Ravhudzulo, Water RDI Roadmap Coordinator: Sarahr@wrc.org.za or Shanna Nienaber, RDI Programme Manager Shannan@wrc.org.za
We look forward to receiving your applications!
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Supporting the implementation of non-consumptive water use charges in the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges

Title of call                           Supporting the implementation of non-consumptive water use charges in the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges

Theme                                    Water Use

ToR ID                                    1009977

Contact Person                   John Dini

Description                         The new Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges introduced a category of Non-Consumptive Use to allow for the water resource management costs associated with non-consumptive uses of water resources to be recovered. The assignment outlined in these terms of reference will contribute to enabling the implementation of these charges, with particular focus on renewable energy generation, recreation and aquaculture.

Closing Date         17 February 2025 16:00pm             

For enquiries, please contact: John Dini, Research Manager: Water Governance johnd@wrc.org.za

We look forward to receiving your applications!
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WRC corporate study to examine the changes to the tariffing processes on the WRC levy

ToR Title: WRC corporate study to examine the changes to the tariffing processes on the WRC levy

Thrust: Strategic

Contact Persons: Gerda Kruger: gerdak@wrc.org.za

Opening Date: 18 October 2024

Closing Date : 10 November 2024

Background and Rationale

The WRC levy until now has been based on very ad-hoc arrangements due to the poor administration of the Water Licensing process and the DWS Trading Account. To knowledge, the only good determinants of data are from water Boards, which has becoming our key levy generating resource. The rest being paid ad hoc to us by the Department in a suitable arrangement over many years. To avoid the disruption.
Historically, the levy has been calculated on all water use/billed at a bulk water level and the growth in consumption also resulted in growth in our levy. However, the allocations have reached their peak and I believe that we will not see great spikes in the levy growth due to new water allocations. However, a process that started over 10 years ago to update the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges, the revised version has been approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation and Minister of Finance and was gazetted on 21 June 2024. The revised strategy will be effective from April 2025 and will be applicable to the water use charges for 2026/27 onwards.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

Click on the title to download the terms of reference for more information

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A situational analysis of alternative drinking water supplies in South Africa

ToR Title: A situational analysis of alternative drinking water supplies in South Africa

THEMATIC AREA: WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH

Contact Persons: Charmaine Dladla: charmainek@wrc.org.za

Opening Date: 01 August 2024

Closing Date : 31 August 2024

Background and Rationale

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health. The constitution of South Africa bestows the executive power, and responsibility for the provision of such services to the public with Water Service Authorities (WSAs). The Water Services Act defines water service authorities as municipalities including districts or rural councils. To fulfill this vital function, water service authorities or intermediaries may work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations. For example, a water services authority may contract a water services provider or enter into a joint venture with an independent water services company for the provision of drinking water services. A water services intermediary is defined as any person or organisation who is obliged to provide water services to another in terms of a contract where the obligation to provide water services is incidental to the main object of the contract.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.

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Improving the water sustainability of the UMkhomazi Catchment area

ToR Title: Improving the water sustainability of the UMkhomazi Catchment area

KSA : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Thrust: Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme

Contact Persons: Vuyokazi Matiwana: vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 31 June 2024

Background and Rationale

The National Dam Siltation Management (NatSilt) Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa.

The programme is implemented over 3 phases:

• Phase 1: Development of a draft dam Siltation Management Strategy   and related tools & models
• Phase 2: Piloting of the draft Strategy, tool and models
• Phase 3: Review and finalise the Strategy, tools and models

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.

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Evaluating the impact and post-pilot implementation of the NatSilt Programme

ToR Title: Evaluating the impact and post-pilot implementation of the NatSilt Programme

KSA : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Thrust: Thrust 3: Water Resources and Ecosystem Protection. Water Security, and Water Utilization
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme

Contact Persons: Lesego Gaegane: lesegog@wrc.org.za ;  Vuyokazi Matiwana: vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 07 April 2024

Background and Rationale

The National Dam Siltation Management Programme is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The Programme’s overarching aim is to develop a strategy that will guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management and related improved storage capacity of the large dams in South Africa. The programme is implemented over 3 phases: Phase 1: Development of a draft dam Siltation Management Strategy and related tools & models Phase 2: Piloting of the draft Strategy, tool and models Phase 3: Review and finalise the Strategy, tools and models The first phase has been completed, and we are currently implementing phases 2 and 3. There is a need to assess the success and outcomes of the pilot initiatives, along with the entire programme, by conducting a comprehensive Impact and Post Pilot implementation assessment. The assessment's objective is to offer useful insights, lessons learned, and recommendations. Additionally, it's essential to improve

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

NB: The reports can be requested from the contact persons by the proposers and will be provided upon request.
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Natsurv 19: Water and wastewater management in the Winery Industry (Edition 1)

ToR Title: Natsurv 19: Water and Wastewater Management in the Winery Industry (Edition 1)

KSA :  Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust: Sustainable Integrated Wastewater Resource Futures
Programme : Programme 1: Quantification and Minimization of Water Use and Effluent Production

Contact Persons: John Zvimba: johnz@wrc.org.za ;  Bennie Mokgonyana: bennim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 23 Mar 2024

The specific objectives are:
To review and document water and wastewater management within the winery industry and generate the first edition of the Natsurv report for the South African winery industry.

Proposals must be submitted via email to the above-mentioned contacts. Click here for the proposal template

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A study into benchmarking of household and communal sanitation delivery costs in Municipalities

ToR Title : A study into benchmarking of household and communal sanitation delivery costs in Municipalities

KSA :  Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : 3. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme : Programme 4: Water services institutional and management programme

Contact Person: nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 23 Feb 2024

TOR ID: 1009969

Brief description of ToR

o Water and sanitation services in municipalities are in serious decline across South Africa and citizens cannot rely on a safe and secure water services in many municipalities. When it comes to sanitation/wastewater the recent green drop trends in, and performance indicators show a very concerning situation where nearly sixty percent of wastewater systems not meeting compliance requirements for a variety of factors and challenges.

The specific objectives are:
• Develop an understanding and number of household sanitation systems per province and municipality and map against the settlement types (e.g. Chemical toilets, porta-porty, VIPs, Septic tanks, pour flush etc. and any of its derivatives)

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Development of Regulations for enabling application of Smart Sanitation solutions

ToR Title : Development of Regulations for enabling application of Smart Sanitation solutions

KSA :  Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : 3. WATER SENSITIVE AND RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS
Programme : Programme 4: Water services institutional and management programme
ToR ID : 1009968

Contact Person: nkatekok@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 11 Feb 2024

Brief description of ToR

o Undertake a detailed investigation towards developing regulations under water
legislation which will enable DWS and the sector to accelerate the uptake of smart
sanitation solutions.

o Undertake detailed legal review and conditions to check that they are aligned to all
Water, Municipal and Treasury legislation and regulations.

o Develop position paper on the regulations.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Design of a programme to support the validation and verification of existing lawful water use and compulsory licencing

*Click on the title below to download the TOR*

Design of a programme to support the validation and verification of existing lawful water use and compulsory licencing

KSA 1&2: Water Resources and Ecosystems

Thrust: 1 (Governance and institutional arrangements)

Programme: 2 (Policy, Science and Implementation)

Title of ToR

Design of a programme to support the validation and verification of existing lawful water use and compulsory licencing

ToR ID: 1009967

Contact Person: John Dini (johnd@wrc.org.za)

Closing date: 9 February 2024

Description

The WRC is working with the Department of Water and Sanitation to expedite the completion of the validation and verification of existing lawful water use nationally, and to use the Letaba and uMngeni catchments for further developing, applying and refining compulsory licencing approaches (as described in sections 43-48 of the National Water Act) that can be used countrywide. This work will be completed over three years, ending in November 2026. The scope of work outlined in these ToR focuses on the preparatory phase for this programme of work. It involves undertaking the research and planning necessary to design and scope the implementation phase.

Briefing session        

An optional briefing session will be held via Microsoft Teams from 10:00-11:00 on 26 January 2024. Details of how to connect are provided in the ToR.

Submit your proposals on our portal: https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Development of compulsory Water Services Providers operating license application and review system

KSA/Business Unit : 3Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures
Thrust : Water Sensitive and Resilient Settlements
Programme : Programme 4: Water services institutional and management programme
ToR Title : Development of compulsory Water Services Providers operating license application and review system
ToR ID : 1009964
Contact Persons: Jay Bhagwan jayb@wrc.org.za or Charmaine Dladla charmained@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 January 2024

Brief description of ToR

• Develop a guideline of the WSP Licensing Application Process
  • Determination of key conditions and requirements for license application
• Develop a guideline on Review and analysis/assessment of applications (financial, technical, institutional)
• Develop a guideline on the ongoing management and operation of the licensing system
• Undertake detailed legal review of the license requirements and conditions to check that they are aligned to all Water, Municipal and Treasury legislation and regulations.
• Develop the communication and awareness materials to support the guidelines

Proposals must be submitted manually both in Word and pdf format to jayb@wrc.org.za and charmained@wrc.org.za, by 10 January 2024, 10.00hrs.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

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EXCRETA (SHIT) Flow Diagram Capacity Building Programme for DWS and WSAs to Improve Safe Management of Human Excreta in the Sanitation Value Chain

KSA/Business Unit : KSA 49 SFD / Water Use & Waste Management

ToR Title : EXCRETA (SHIT) FLOW DIAGRAM (SFD) CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR DWS AND WSAs TO IMPROVE SAFE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN EXCRETA IN THE SANITATION VALUE CHAIN
ToR ID : 1009963
Contact Person: Dr Sudhir Pillay sudhirp@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 22 December 2023

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

** Click on the title of the TOR above for access to a document with all details **

Background on TOR
The Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) and the Water Research Commission (WRC) entered into a contract on the 30 April 2022 for the project: SHIT (EXCRETA) FLOW DIAGRAM (SFD) CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR DWS AND WSAs TO IMPROVE SAFE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN EXCRETA IN THE SANITATION VALUE CHAIN.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the scope, objectives, methodology, and responsibilities for a directed project aimed at creating capacity for developing SFDs for South Africa. The project's primary goal is to develop the capacity for DWS and WSAs to develop SFDs that ultimately ends with a comprehensive understanding of the sanitation situation in different regions of South Africa, identifies areas that require improvement, and facilitate informed decision-making for sanitation infrastructure development and investment.
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TOR: Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Consultancy

KSA/Business Unit :39: Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme
ToR Title : Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Consultancy
ToR ID : 1009962
Contact Person: Masingita Nhubunga MasingitaN@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 23 October 2023

Brief description of ToR

The GLSCRP (Giyani Local Sustainable Climate Resilient Programme) is a community-led and LED (Local Economic Development) initiative aimed at demonstrating climate adaptive responses and solutions for improved water utilization in the Giyani Municipal area. The program, funded by the Government of Flanders, is led by the Water Research Commission in partnership with Tsogang Water and Sanitation (Tsogang), Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD), and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). A Project Agreement exists between the WRC and the Government Flanders funder of the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLRSCP). The project agreement includes a workplan with budget allocation for all the activities which need to be performed in the project execution. This being a three-year programme from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2024 the programme has very tight schedule to ensure project outcomes are achieved on time and the MERL framework will assist the programme to measure its own progress

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Convenor: Strengthening the community of practice working on the integration of water-related ecological infrastructure and built infrastructure in the South Africa’s Water Management Areas

KSA/Business Unit :30: Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security
ToR Title : Convenor: Strengthening the community of practice working on the integration of water-related ecological infrastructure and built infrastructure in the South Africa’s Water Management Areas
ToR ID : 1009961
Contact Person: Dr. Roderick Juba roderickj@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 10 November 2023

DUE TO THE TECHNICAL ERROR ON OUR BMS PORTAL, KINDLY DOWNLOAD THE PROPOSAL TEMPLATE (CLICK HERE) AND EMAIL IT TO THE CONTACT PERSON BEFORE THE DUE DATE!

Brief Description of TOR

The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project (EI4WS) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and executed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Water Research Commission (WRC), and other implementing partners. This project focuses on improving water security by integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into planning, finance, and development in the water sector.

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A strategic market assessment on the production and safety of chemicals used for water, wastewater, and sludge management in South Africa

Title: A strategic market assessment on the production and safety of chemicals used for water, wastewater, and sludge management in South Africa

NOTE:  ToR has been extended to 24^th November 2023. Send your proposals to Charmained@wrc.org.za 

TOR ID : 1009960

Financial Year: 2024/2025

Research Manager: Nonhlanhla Kalebaila

Business Unit: Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures

Strategic Area: KSA 3 - Water Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures

Contact Person: Nonhlanhla Kalebaila @ nonhlanhlak@wrc.org.za

Closing Date : 10 November 2023

Send your proposals to: https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Demonstrating climate resilience in four (4) rural schools with limited water availability by enhancing food and nutrition security through innovation and science transfer

KSA/Business Unit :Water Utilisation in Agriculture
Programme: 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities
ToR Title: Demonstrating climate resilience in four (4) rural schools with limited water availability by enhancing food and nutrition security through innovation and science transfer
ToR ID : 1009957
Contact Person: Samkelisiwe Hlophe-Ginindza samkelisiwehg@wrc.org.za 

Closing Date : 18 September 2023

Brief description of ToR

Background: The overall objective of the project is to address food and water security and malnutrition in school going children through reintroduction of underutilised nutrient dense indigenous crops and active the participation of communities that reside around the schools in order to improve vegetable accessibility to the school feeding programme.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Enhancing catchment management; the Integration of grey and ecological infrastructure for water security

KSA/Business Unit : KSA 34
Programme: 1: National Dam Siltation Management Programme
ToR Title: Enhancing catchment management; the Integration of grey and ecological infrastructure for water security
ToR ID : 1009956
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane lesegog@wrc.org.za and Vuyokazi Matiwana vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 29 June 2023

Brief description of ToR

Background: Sediment accumulation in dams and reservoirs leads to a loss in water storage capacity, potential contamination, structural stability issues, and progressively reduced assurance of water supply. Siltation of dams is addressed by preventing and reducing the sediment load from an upstream catchment. Holistic decision-making tools enable a systematic approach to siltation management, focusing on the complementarity of built and ecological infrastructure. There is a further need to build on the work already done through the developed national siltation management strategy and its associated tools and models and expand on the lessons learnt during the National Siltation Management programme, especially regarding the links between siltation and catchment management. The overall aim of this project is thus to bring into focus the interface between water-related Ecological Infrastructure and Grey Infrastructure as crucial in ensuring sustained water security in South Africa.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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SALGA and WRC Non Revenue Water Expression of Interest

SALGA and WRC Non Revenue Water Expression of Interest

Please download the below documents for more information
SALGA and WRC RFI final revised
TOR - SALGA Request for Information Performance Based Contract (003)
Contact Person : Ms Hlengiwe Cele hlengiwec@wrc.org.za

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A study into examining Performance Based Contracting (PBC) for Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and its relevance into the South African Context

KSA/Business Unit : Water  Use, Wastewater Resources and Sanitation Futures

Thrust:  Water sensitive and resilient settlements

Programme: 4: Water services Institutional and management programme

ToR Title: A study into examining Performance Based Contracting (PBC) for Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and its relevance into the South African Context

ToR ID : 1009954

Contact Person: Nkateko Kubayi nkatekok@wrc.org.za

Closing Date : 02 May 2023

Brief description of ToR

The global volume of non-revenue water (NRW) has recently been conservatively estimated at 50 bn cubic metres/year, and valued at $15 bn. These figures highlight the problems that many water utilities experience in attempting to reduce NRW. One of the major challenges facing water utilities around the world is the high level of water losses, either through real (physical) losses or apparent (commercial) losses from customer meter under-registration and theft of water in various forms.

Objectives

• A review of the use of Performance or incentive base contracting to tackle issues related to NRW
• Based on this review and case studies, developing a framework for introducing PBCs for NRW in South Africa (this must cover legal, financial, regulatory, procurement and institutional requirements)
• Establishing private sector appetite for PBCs for NRW and their requirements
• Testing this framework with the South African water sector through workshops and key informant interviews
• Based on the inputs formulate a guideline for structuring and mainstreaming PBCs for NRW in South Africa (giving key attention to risk and rewards)

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Review and revision of the draft National Dam Siltation Management Strategy

KSA/Business Unit : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
ToR Title : Review and revision of the draft National Dam Siltation Management Strategy
ToR ID : 1009952
Contact Person: Lesego Gaegane lesegog@wrc.org.za and Vuyokazi Matiwana vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 30 June 2023

Brief description of ToR
Background: Siltation management is a multifaceted and complex issue, affecting all South Africans and needs to be pursued in a participatory manner,
considering the varying and differing perspectives of various stakeholders (government, private sector and civil society).
The draft strategy considers a multi-disciplinary systematic approach to dam management in order to operationalise siltation management.
The development of the draft national dam siltation management strategy entailed a detailed situational assessment,
the development of key strategic areas, analysis of key role players and institutional mandates.
The draft strategy incorporates a wide range of economic, development, social, engineering, hydrological, environmental, legal, and regulatory aspects.
The draft strategy is supported by a draft implementation plan that serves as a roadmap for DWS on how to implement the strategy.
The key objectives of this project are to review the draft strategy, review the current pilot projects being implemented and align the work done during the programme
implementation to revise the strategy.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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Validation of the Sustainability Dredging model and protocols

KSA/Business Unit : 34 (National Dam Siltation Management Programme)
Thrust :
Programme : National Dam Siltation Management Programme
ToR Title : Validation of the Sustainability Dredging model and protocols 
ToR ID : 1009946
Contact Persons: Lesego Gaegane, lesegog@wrc.org.za and Vuyokazi Matiwana, vuyokazim@wrc.org.za
Closing Date : 5 May 5, 2023

Brief description of ToR
The National Dam Siltation Management (NatSilt) Program is implemented by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The program’s overarching aim is to develop a national strategy to guide, advise, and ensure effective siltation management in the 325+ large DWS-owned dams with appropriate tools. The programme will also produce the required knowledge and insight to mitigate against the effects of dam basin siltation through the deployment of social, economic, technological, engineering, and management systems, tools, and models.

Phase 1 of the programme is complete, and Phase 2 is currently underway. All the Phase 1 outcomes will be piloted in Phase 2. This project is part of the numerous projects implemented in phase 2.

During phase one of the NatSilt programme, a beta sustainability dredging model and protocols were developed as a decision support tool. The model is intended to be used as part of the detailed design, implementation, and monitoring phases of a project subsequent to a feasibility study of alternative mitigation measures to combat reservoir sedimentation impacts.
The key objectives of this project are to critically review the work done in phase one, validate the sustainability dredging model and protocols developed in the first phase, develop a user manual, and digitize the model into an open-source online model.

Proposals must be submitted via the WRC Business Management System at https://wrc.microsoftcrmportals.com/

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WRC Call for Proposal Concept Notes 2023

The WRC hereby announces its Call for new project proposals . Please familiarise yourself with the WRC processes, before you start preparing an application as there are some changes to process from previous years.

To access the call, click here: WRC Call for Proposal Concept Notes 2023

The project proposals submission process will start with a submission of a Concept Note online.

Please use the following link to complete and submit your concept note :  Click here for online concept note form.

NOTE: RDI concept note timeline

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR A PARTNERSHIP FOR PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISING (PCO) SUPPORT

Objective

• To partner with the WRC in executing international conference – IWA Water Reuse Conference, March 2025, Cape Town
• Provide full professional conference organizing support

Please click on the link (title) below to access PCO details.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR A PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISING (PCO)

Kindly submit a maximum two page proposal in pdf expression your interests in the partnership and its conditions, as well as ability to provide the scope of work highlighted in Annexure A: Scope, to eoipcopartnership@wrc.org.za by latest  2^nd February 2024 at 12h00. Our review will be based on the motivation, track record and elements Annexure A.
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WADER Open Call for the Young Engineers "ChangeMakers" (YECP) Programme - 2025

Calling all Young South African Municipal Engineers to apply for a Young Engineers “Changemakers” training opportunity!

WADER YECP Call/Advert: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Water-YECP-Advert_APRIL-2025_REVISED-1.pdf

Water RDI EOI Template:  https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Water-YECP-EOI-Template_-APRIL-2025-Call-1.docx

 

The call is closing on Friday, 16 May 2025

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WADER Open Call for the Young Engineers "ChangeMakers" (YECP) Programme - 2024

Calling all Young South African Municipal Engineers to apply for a Young Engineers “Changemakers” training opportunity!

YECP Call Advert: https://wader.org.za/water-yecp-advert_november-2024/

Expression of Interest Template (EoI): https://wader.org.za/water-yecp-eoi-template_2024-call/

Closing Date: Friday, 02 December 2024

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WADER Open Call for the Young Engineers "ChangeMakers" (YECP) Programme - 2023

The Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitable candidates in response to the annual WADER Young Engineers “Changemakers” Programme (YECP) Open Call which focuses on selecting young South African Municipal Engineers to be part of a 1-year training programme that will enable them to gain the necessary skills to drive municipalities of the future. Select on the links below for further details on the call and completing the template

WADER YECP Call/Advert:

Water RDI EOI Template: 

Closing Date: Friday, 22 September 2023

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WADER Call for Expression of Interest (EOI): Innovative Technologies and Solutions as part of the Viability and Validation of Innovations for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP)

The Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from technology developers/vendors in response to the WADER Technology Scanning Call focusing on a number of innovative solutions for implementation at Drakenstein Local Municipality. The VVISDP Program is established in partnership between the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

 

The Viability and Validation of Innovations for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP), established by the Department of Science and Innovation, is a programme that aims to assist municipalities with the uptake of innovations. The Water Research Commission (WRC) established the Water and Sanitation Innovation Transfer Unit (WSITU) under the VVISDP to enable the effective transfer and uptake of innovative solutions by the municipal sector.

 

To submit your EOI for a specific municipality, you can select the relevant link to the call document listed below

(The call documents are also attached.)

 

VVISDP: Open Call For Chris Hani District Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_CHDM.pdf

VVISDP: Open Call For City Of Mbombela Local Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_City-of-Mbombela.pdf

VVISDP: Open Call For Drakenstein Local Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_DLM.pdf

VVISDP: Open Call For City Of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_Ekurhuleni.pdf

VVISDP: Open Call For Emalahleni Local Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_ELM.pdf

VVISDP: Open Call For Swellendam Local Municipality: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_SLM.pdf

 VVISDP: Open Call For City Of Tshwane: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Innovative-Solutions_City-of-Tshwane.pdf

VVISDP: First Open Call For ERWAT: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_Micro-Hydropower_ERWAT.pdf

VVISDP: Second Open Call For ERWAT: https://wader.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Technology-Scan-Call_SECOND-CALL_ERWAT.pdf

 

Please use the attached EOI template to submit your proposal.

(Expression of Interest): https://wader.org.za/eoi-template_vvisdp-calls/

 Closing Date: C.O.B. on December 4, 2023

For enquiries regarding the call submissions, please contact the WADER Manager

Dr Manjusha Sunil: manjushas@wrc.org.za  

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WRC 2025 - Concept Note - Open Research Call

The Water Research Commission’s (WRC’s) roles and functions are to coordinate and promote water research, development, and innovation (RDI) in South Africa. The WRC effectively undertakes its mandate by prioritising water research as informed by the needs of the water sector and related stakeholders. Supported projects are related to the entire water cycle. The RDI agenda and projects of the WRC are aimed at making a meaningful contribution in addressing water security and socio‐economic challenges in South Africa while enabling the country to have an innovation-driven water and sanitation sector. The WRC is encouraging concept notes that promote novelty and support leadership, empowerment and/or participation by:
• Seasoned researchers
• Emerging researchers
• Women, youth, and people living with disabilities
• Cooperatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
and environmental groups
• Public and State entities
• Indigenous knowledge systems/non‐tech researchers
• Innovation and technology companies (SMMEs and
commercial companies)

Click on the " 2025 Call for concept notes, RDI" for further deta

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Closed Call Archives
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WRC 2025 DIRECTED RESEARCH CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES (WITH TERMS OF REFERENCES)

Theme 1: WATER AVAILABILIITY

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

Closing Date: 28 February 2025
Contact Person: Charmaine Dladla charmainek@wrc.org.za

Concept notes must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

 

ToR 1010008: Setting up the water resources accounting system for SA

ToR 1010009: Development and pilot of a spatially differentiated recharge estimation

ToR 1010010: State of the art of managed aquifer recharge in Southern Africa

ToR 1010011: What are the opportunity costs of not being able to access hydrological data in South Africa

ToR 1010012: Post project cross sectional project implementation review

Theme 2: WATER USE

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

Closing Date: 28 February 2025
Contact Person: Charmaine Dladla charmainek@wrc.org.za

Concept notes must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

 

ToR 1010013: The use of advanced non-revenue management solutions

ToR 1010014: Promoting the uptake and capacity building on the new WRC the Non-Revenue Water tools and portal

ToR 1010015: Assessing the need for large water reuse, reclamation and recycling

ToR 1010016: Determining the impact of the infrastructure depreciation methods (straight line method vs replacement value) on the tariff

ToR 1010017: Assess the effectiveness and sustainability of water infrastructure

ToR 1010018: Strategic analysis of billing and revenue challenges in growing serviced rural and peri-urban settlements on trust and private land

ToR 1010019: Examining the potential of water boards supporting and complementing some of the CMA functions and activities

ToR 1010020: A scoping study investigating alternative and innovative municipal sewerage tariffs

ToR 1010021: Impact of smart water metering and use and revenue collection

Theme 3: WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

Closing Date: 28 February 2025
Contact Person: Charmaine Dladla charmainek@wrc.org.za

Concept notes must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

 

ToR 1010022: Detection and Assessment of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS) Systems

ToR 1010023: Integrated and risk-based approach to better management of eutrophication in lotic and lentic systems taking into account the role of citizen scientists early warning systems

ToR 1010024: Revision of the national contaminants of emerging concern knowledge hub

ToR 1010025: Development and demonstration of a web-based decision support system for the South African water quality guidelines for domestic use

ToR 1010026: Quantifying the impacts of water resources pollution and drinking water quality failures

Theme 4: WATER ADVISORY

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

Closing Date: 28 February 2025
Contact Person: Charmaine Dladla charmainek@wrc.org.za

Concept notes must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

  

ToR 1010027: Managing current and future gold mining closure impacts in South Africa for sustainable mining-influenced water use.

ToR 1010028: Mapping water use, availability and quality requirements for transitioning to a sustainable green hydrogen economy in South Africa

ToR 1010029: Piloting the operationalisation of the interlinkages between SDG 6.3 (water quality and wastewater), other SDG 6 targets and the remaining SDGs g

ToR 1010030: Updating the Guidelines for Catchment Management Strategies

ToR 1010031: A national contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) capacity building programme

ToR 1010032: Expression of interest to be a member of a Water Research Commission National Water Quality Advisory Committee

ToR 1010032: Mapping water reuse, recycling and reclamation in the industrial, mining, large commercial and agro-processing sectors
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WRC 2025/2026 DIRECTED RESEARCH CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL (WITH TERMS OF REFERENCES)

THEME 1: WATER AVAILABILITY

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

 Closing Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Contact Person: Sarah Ravhudzulo; email: sarahr@wrc.org.za

***Research Proposal must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

 

TOR1010045: National atlas of community-led domestic water supply schemes

ToR1010046 – Development of a business case for the establishment of a regional hydrological modelling centre in southern Africa

ToR1010047 –Enhancing water security in SA water resource types through mapping and remotely monitoring of the riparian vegetation and associated buffer zones.
ToR1010048 – Review, develop and test comprehensive training material focused on RDM determination methods.

ToR1010049 – Updating of Climate Change Projections for South Africa: Resilience and Water Security Implications

ToR1010050 –Development of groundwater management plans for priority aquifer systems in South Africa

ToR1010051 – Decision support tool for prioritising catchments for compulsory licensing

ToR1010052 –Securing South Africa’s water future: Integrated Assessment of sectoral competition and socioeconomic vulnerability for equitable resource planning

THEME 2: WATER USE

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

 Closing Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Contact Person: Sarah Ravhudzulo; email: sarahr@wrc.org.za

***Research Proposal must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

 

ToR1010053 – Towards Safe and Regulated Municipal Back-Up Water Sup-ply Systems in South Africa

ToR1010054 – National sludge quality survey to determine changes in sludge quality since the 2000s

ToR1010055 – Optimising Water Services in Informal Settlements: Cost Analysis and Savings Potential of Decentralised Reuse

THEME 3: WATER QUALITY AND HEALTH

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

 Closing Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Contact Person: Sarah Ravhudzulo; email: sarahr@wrc.org.za

 

***Research Proposal must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

ToR1010056 – Re-imagine the feasibility of the future of water resources monitoring in SA and transboundary using latest technology: Accelerate digital transition

ToR1010057 – Development and implementation of a robust framework for the management of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in South Africa

ToR1010058 – Establishment of an Independent Water Quality Advisory Committee

ToR1010059 – Consolidation of water quality guidelines for ease of access by clients: A one stop shop

ToR1010060 – Predicting and Preventing Epidemic Threats at the Human-Water-Environment Interface: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Solidify Preparedness against Cholera, Enteric Fever and Plague

THEME 4: ADVISORY SERVICES

Please click on the ToR titles below to access the details. The following information applies to all ToRs listed:

Closing Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
Contact Person: Sarah Ravhudzulo; email: sarahr@wrc.org.za

***Research Proposal must be submitted on the WRC Business Management System portal.

ToR1010061 – The state of the South African Water RDI Enterprise

ToR1010062 – Taking stock of the extent to which Water Sensitive Design has been implemented in South Africa

ToR1010063 –Exploring rationalisation and optimisation mechanisms for monitoring the water resource to support CMAs

ToR1010064 – Decentralised Greywater Treatment systems for source separated greywater treatment and reuse

ToR1010065 – Development of standardised approaches for calculating compensation for harm, loss or damage arising from offences under the National Water Act

ToR1010066 – Analysis of factors influencing the successful prosecution of water-related criminal cases

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RDI 2025-26 Call for Project Concept Notes

The Water Research Commission’s (WRC’s) roles and functions are to coordinate and promote water research, development, and innovation (RDI) in South Africa. The WRC effectively undertakes its mandate by prioritising water research as informed by the needs of the water sector and related stakeholders. Supported projects are related to the entire water cycle. The RDI agenda and projects of the WRC are aimed at making a meaningful contribution in addressing water security and socio‐economic challenges in South Africa while enabling the country to have an innovation-driven water and sanitation sector. The WRC is encouraging concept notes that promote novelty and support leadership, empowerment and/or participation by:
• Seasoned researchers
• Emerging researchers
• Women, youth, and people living with disabilities
• Cooperatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
and environmental groups
• Public and State entities
• Indigenous knowledge systems/non‐tech researchers
• Innovation and technology companies (SMMEs and
commercial companies)

Click on the "WRC CALL 2025_26 Final concept notes" for further details
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