The CSIR Water Research Centre joined Africa and the Global South’s leading voices at this year’s Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) Dialogue, where the Department of Water and Sanitation reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating equitable and sustainable access to water and sanitation services across South Africa. Delegates from across the world convened to share critical insights on water and sanitation issues.
Themed “Towards sustainable water and sanitation security in Africa”, the dialogue was opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, supported by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina. The AWSISA platform aims to confront the continent’s escalating water crisis through innovative solutions, resilience strategies and policy reforms. Strategically aligned with the G20 processes to maximise impact and visibility, the event took place from 9 to 12 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
The landmark event provided the CSIR with an opportunity to showcase its water-related research and leadership capabilities. The organisation is well positioned to support South Africa in strengthening water security in the context of climate change, extreme water events, urbanisation, social inequality and the systemic challenges facing public infrastructure and the institutional fragility of service provision.
In attendance were industry leaders, policymakers, technical experts, researchers, community representatives, international development partners and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond – those at the forefront of developing transformative solutions for water and sanitation challenges.
“The CSIR’s participation alongside the coalition of water and sanitation institutions, water boards and catchment management agencies allows it to cement its position as a technology partner and leader in addressing the most pressing water issues of our time,” says CSIR Water Research Centre manager, Dr Rembu Magoba. Magoba joined 1 500 influential global, continental and local leaders and exhibitors representing more than 10 countries at the event.
Deliberations and engagements focused on addressing escalating water crises by exchanging critical knowledge, best practices and innovative strategies that will attract much-needed investments in sustainable water and sanitation services - a critical driver of South Africa’s economic growth, particularly in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
In addition, emphasises was placed on advancing Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 9, 10 and 13, supporting Africa’s collective progress towards a just, inclusive and water-secure future.
Beyond the rich exchange of knowledge, the dialogue also served as a strategic platform to test technological solutions for local relevance, harmonise policies and strengthen partnerships, while acknowledging that water and sanitation challenges are shared, transboundary and deeply interconnected.
The main lesson was the importance of collaboration among the key water sector stakeholders, and several memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed during the event. The CSIR has MoUs with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Water Research Commission, Rand Water, Lepelle Northern Water, City of Tshwane and the City of Cape Town, among others.