Article re-cap
- The Water Institute of Southern Africa will host its biennial conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from July 22 to 24, 2026.
- More than 2,000 professionals are expected to attend the WISA 2026 event to discuss water security and service delivery challenges in South Africa.
- The conference programme includes technical sessions on groundwater resilience and managed aquifer recharge for the Cape Flats Aquifer.
- The WISA 2026 theme is Rethinking Amanzi, Securing Our Future.
More than 2,000 professionals will gather at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from July 22 to 24, 2026, to address South Africa's water security and service delivery challenges.
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) will host its biennial conference and exhibition under the theme Rethinking Amanzi - Securing Our Future. The event follows commitments from President Cyril Ramaphosa to invest R156 billion into water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years.
The conference programme includes an official opening by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, alongside Deputy ministers David Mahlobo and Dr Jack Bloom. Dr Sean Philips, director-general of the Department of Water and Sanitation, is also expected to attend.
Technical sessions will explore issues such as groundwater resilience, managed aquifer recharge for the Cape Flats Aquifer, microplastics, and water infrastructure renewal. The programme features more than 80 sessions covering climate resilience, droughts, floods, and alternative water services.
WISA Chief Executive Officer Dr Lester Goldman said that the challenges facing the water sector cannot be addressed by any one organisation alone. He noted that the conference provides an opportunity to identify practical ways to improve water security and service delivery.
The gathering comes as the national government intensifies efforts to tackle the water crisis, with President Ramaphosa warning that officials who fail to manage water services properly could face legal consequences. This follows recent launches of water programmes and new infrastructure commitments by the President and Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Frequently asked questions
When and where will the WISA conference take place?
The Water Institute of Southern Africa's biennial conference will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from July 22 to 24, 2026. More than 2,000 water professionals are expected to attend the event.
What is the main theme of the 2026 WISA conference?
The conference theme is 'Rethinking Amanzi - Securing Our Future', focusing on South Africa's water security and service delivery challenges. The programme will include more than 80 sessions covering climate resilience, droughts, floods, and alternative water services.
Which government officials will attend the conference?
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will provide the official opening. Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Dr Jack Bloom, along with Dr Sean Philips, director-general of the Department of Water and Sanitation, are also expected to attend.
What specific water issues will the technical sessions address?
Technical sessions will explore groundwater resilience, managed aquifer recharge for the Cape Flats Aquifer, microplastics, and water infrastructure renewal. These topics reflect current challenges facing South Africa's water sector.
What government funding commitment has been made to water infrastructure?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed to investing R156 billion into water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years, following his warning that officials failing to manage water services properly could face legal consequences.
Source: iol.co.za
