UNITED IN PURPOSE: Through research, innovation, and collaboration, UL and Lepelle Northern Water are shaping a sustainable future for water security in Limpopo
By Reuben Maake | reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
In a landmark partnership, the University of Limpopo (UL) and Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at tackling the growing issue of water scarcity in Limpopo Province
This collaboration seeks to address the critical water challenges through a combination of research, capacity building, and community engagement, with a focus on sustainable water solutions.
The MoU, signed recently, sets the stage for both institutions to work closely on student and staff development, innovative research, and community-focused water projects. These efforts will not only contribute to water security but also position UL as a key player in shaping the future of water management in the region.
Professor Hlengani Siweya, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at UL, hailed the collaboration as a historic moment for the University, particularly for the BSc Water and Sanitation programme. “Our BSc degree is a problem-based learning qualification designed to equip students with the skills needed to become scientists who can make a tangible impact in the water sector,” Prof Siweya said.
He proudly highlighted the programme’s success, noting that three cohorts of graduates have emerged since its inception in 2018, with several students currently on exchange programmes in Germany and France. “Water is life, and through this partnership with LNW, we trust that our students will leave the University ready to make a meaningful impact,” he added.
Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Board Chairperson of LNW, emphasised the importance of partnerships like this in ensuring the provision of clean, safe water. “Our mandate is to change lives through the provision of sustainable bulk water services, and this partnership with UL is long overdue,” he said.
Dr Mphephu pointed out that water scarcity has severely impacted multiple sectors of Limpopo’s economy, as well as the daily lives of its citizens. In response, LNW has invested R4.5 billion to achieve sustainable water solutions across the province.
“For us to meet our goals, providing clean water is essential. Without water, we cannot address the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, which often intensify when water is scarce,” Dr Mphephu explained. He also stressed the importance of research in shaping policy, regulation, and monitoring, stating, “Research conducted through this collaboration will inform the policies and strategies needed to address water scarcity.”
Lucy Kobe, Provincial Head of Water and Sanitation for Limpopo, highlighted her department’s role in regulating the water and sanitation sector and stressed the need for inclusivity. She called for more women to take up leadership roles in water management and urged universities like UL to provide the skills needed for women scientists to thrive as technicians, engineers, and researchers.
Water stakeholders celebrate the Memorandum of Understanding between UL and Lepelle Northern Water, recognising its crucial role in addressing water scarcity—an essential resource for all
“Women have a vital role to play in ensuring equitable and inclusive water management. We need to empower them with the right skills,” she said, while also encouraging students to apply for the bursaries, internships, and apprenticeships her department offers.
LNW CEO, Dr Cornellius Ruiters, underscored the urgency of addressing water scarcity, noting that Limpopo faces significant water challenges due to workforce shortages and climate change. “The water deficit in areas such as Polokwane, which is short by 2,700 to 3,000 megalitres per day, is impacting key sectors like agriculture, which is the largest consumer of water, followed by domestic use,” he explained. Dr Ruiters also pointed out that the province has a Blue Drop status of 57.7% and relies on 77% of its surface water resources, but consumption patterns have shifted, further straining water security.
He expressed hope that the partnership with UL would bring innovative solutions to the fore, particularly in terms of infrastructure and modern technology for water quality management. “We must focus on sustainable resource management, and through this collaboration, I’m confident that we can find solutions to ensure a secure water future for Limpopo,” Dr Ruiters concluded.
