Young engineers complete intensive training for sustainable water solutions

The Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP) bootcamp has concluded  after three days of intensive training, equipping a new generation of municipal engineers with practical skills to address South Africa's pressing water and sanitation challenges. The immersive programme, held in Pretoria, forms part of broader efforts to develop sustainable solutions for water management and the circular economy.

Organized under the Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER), the initiative received support from both the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Water Research Commission (WRC). The bootcamp provided participants with hands-on experience in transforming theoretical concepts into workable solutions for real-world water challenges facing municipalities across the country.

The year-long YECP goes beyond traditional training by creating a platform where young engineers can test and implement innovative approaches to water service delivery. Participants gain valuable experience while contributing to the development of more sustainable and resilient water systems in their communities.

A key focus of the programme is fostering collaboration among emerging engineering professionals, creating a network of specialists dedicated to improving water services nationwide. This approach not only builds technical capacity but also encourages knowledge sharing and innovation in the water sector.

The bootcamp's conclusion marks the beginning of an important implementation phase, where participants will apply their newly acquired skills to develop practical solutions for water conservation, treatment and recycling. These efforts align with South Africa's broader goals of achieving water security and transitioning to a circular economy model in water management.

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta