Dr Bongani Ncube, a researcher at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research, has recently scooped a 2017 Water Research Commission (WRC) Knowledge Tree Award.

Ncube won the award in the ‘Empowerment of Communities’ Category in recognition of her research projects which focus on smallholder farmers in the Western Cape.

"I feel honoured and privileged to receive such an award. This award means a lot to me personally, the Research Unit and CPUT,” she says.

“It gives me great pleasure that my team have made a difference in the lives of the farmers in such a short period of time. The research has built capacity through MSc students and collaboration with the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Agency."

The awards celebrate men and women who make a major impact in pursuing excellence in the water science domain, and were presented during the third biennial WRC symposium held recently in Ekurhuleni under the theme ‘Adaptation to the new normal’.

Ncube recently completed a project that saw farmers and institutions collaborating to find solutions in accessing water and agriculture knowledge. She previously documented indigenous knowledge strategies for drought management in another project in the same province.

She is grateful to the institutions involved in her research work, the farmers and the team of students who work with her.

The research also further strengthened relations between CPUT and the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency, who have since 2013 been collaborating through a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Western Cape.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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To pave the way for the upcoming research collaboration between CPUT and the Breede Overberg Catchment Management Area (Bocma), the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research visited the area to assess its needs.

The centre’s head, Prof Alvin Lagardien, led a team of academics and post-graduate students from Dutch universities and the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

The centre and UWC’s Institute for Water Research are recognised Centers of Excellence, offering research and training programmes as well as consultancy and advisory services.     

PARTNERSHIP: Academics from CPUT, Dutch universities and UWC recently visited  De Mond Nature Reserve to assess the needs of the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Area and to discuss forming partnerships.

The first stop was De Mond Nature Reserve in Bredasdorp, which is one of the most important estuaries in the country.

CapeNature Conservation Manager Clyde Lamberts told the team of researchers that salt water intrusion and illegal dumping are major threats to the reserve.

The team also toured Soetendal’s Vlei, where a lot of alien plants such as Spanish Reeds have invaded the catchment.

The trip ended with a visit to the Spanjaardskloof Water Treatment Plant, near Elim, where spring water is purified for household consumption. The raw spring water is used by the local small-scale farmers for irrigation purposes. 

Besides conducting research in the catchment, the centers will meet Bocma staff members’ needs for training and relevant instruments.

By Kwanele Butana

Written by CPUT News
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Top water researchers from various SA universities of technology have gathered at CPUT to share experiences and strategies.

Apart from CPUT researchers the high-level meeting also drew academics from the Central, Durban and Tshwane Universities of Technology (UOTs).

This was the first meeting of its kind and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Technology Dr Chris Nhlapo urged delegates to arrange more gatherings to accelerate the pace of water research in the country.

“We are championing this cause together, all UOT’s should be aligned,” he told the meeting.

Some of the topics discussed included pending and current research projects, various specialization areas and improving support mechanisms for postgraduate students in the field.

Director for CPUT’s Centre for Water and Sanitation Research Prof Alvin Lagardien emphasised the importance of adapting a multi-disciplinary approach to water research.

“We have civil, chemical and electrical engineers busy in this field to name a few,” he says.

“We need synergy and clarity on our approach to water. “

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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From exploring issues of water governance to finding solutions for farmers battling with drought, Dr Bongani Ncube is using her skills to make a difference in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

A researcher at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research at the Bellville Campus, Ncube has been recognised internationally for her outstanding work in the field of water and agriculture.

She recently gave the CPUT news some insight into her life as a researcher.

What is your research area?

My research is focused on two areas, water and agriculture, which is also the name of the niche area that I lead.

In water research our focus is on the impact of the water allocation reform processes on access to water/equity and water governance. In agriculture we cover drought impacts on agriculture and document coping and adaptation strategies adopted by different types of farmers.

We are also in the early stages of developing options for smallholder farming systems, such as drought resistant fodder crops, conservation agriculture and organic farming.

We hope to contribute to improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and developing strategies for coping with drought and adapting to climate change.

What do you enjoy about being a researcher?

Research is full of fun, each day is different. I feel so privileged that I spend a lot of time out in nature, chatting to farmers, working together to find solutions to food security problems.

Being a researcher has taken me to so many parts of the world, and it’s always interesting to see how other countries cope with farming challenges. I previously worked for WaterNet, a network covering Southern and Eastern Africa, and it was so exciting to work with scientists from over 60 organizations and all over world. I learn from other cultures as I go about my work.

What makes a good researcher?

A good researcher is someone who does their work with integrity and honesty, with the aim of solving real problems and discovering new things.

In my previous jobs and PhD I was supervised by world renowned scientists. I realized that their secret to greatness was the ability work with others to solve real issues. The collaborations that they created have lasted for decades, and they are still growing strong.

A good researcher is also someone who knows that they will retire one day, so they make it a priority to train the next generation of researchers.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Obtaining my PhD from one of the best universities in the world, Wageningen University. When I was doing my first degree I wished I could study there one day! Being a Research Leader at WaterNet was the peak of my career, some of my best memories are from working for the network

I have been at CPUT for three years. In August 2015 I was selected to chair one of the sessions of the National Women in Water Consultative Conference. In addition, I was one of the women selected to feature in a video and special publication entitled ‘Amakhosazana Amanzi - Celebrating our Women in Water’ published by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission. It was an honour to be recognized for my research when I have been in South Africa for such a short of time.

What words of advice do you have for the next generation of women researchers?

It is possible to be a wonderful mother and also be an excellent researcher! However, competition is quite high.

I have met and worked with great women researchers, many of them have a story about their journeys (I have mine too!), but it is better to be known for your hard work and integrity; in other words let your good work speak for you. Young women should not shy away from scientific research, South Africa and the rest of Africa needs them.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Amanda Gcanga, Junior Researcher in the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research , has been selected by the US Embassy as a principal candidate in the International Visitor Leadership Program.

The program she has been nominated for is entitled “Our Planet: Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change”.  

This programme is designed for government officials, agricultural engineers, academics, and representatives of NGOs engaged in developing climate change mitigation programs and policies for natural resources management and food production.

It includes meetings and visits relevant to her professional interests in several cities and states. Discussions and site visits will focus on the potential political, social, and economic implications of climate change on agriculture, forestry and water.  Participants will also examine renewable energy sources and emerging climate smart business measures.

“I can’t believe it, I’ve never imagined it could happen,” says Gcanga. “My parents feel it’s a huge achievement, but to me it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

“I want to contribute to policy development in Southern Sahara,” says the doctoral candidate in water governance at CPUT.

Gangca was one of the three staff members who were nominated by Vice-chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, as candidates for the programme via the Office of International Affairs.

The three-week professional exchange visit will take place from 22 May to 9 June 2017.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, Prof Bongani Ncube, recently led a team of staff and students from the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) at the 25th WaterNet/WARSFA/GWP-SA Symposium, held in Maseru, Lesotho.

Organised by the National University of Lesotho and WaterNet, the symposium adopted the theme: Enhancing Sustainability: Upscaling Innovations and Best Practices for Integrated Catchment Water Resource Management (ICWRM) in Eastern and Southern Africa – Leaving No One Behind. The event gathered over 200 experts, policymakers and advocates, all committed to advancing sustainable water management and governance across the region.

Ncube, based in the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research, under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, said the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research team contributed significantly to the discussions, sharing insights into water governance and sustainable water resource management for South Africa. Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Evans Shoko presented a paper titled: Water access conflicts among smallholder farmers in historical towns in the Western Cape. Ncube said: “This study, presented under the Water Governance for Sustainable, Equitable, and Affordable Water Services theme, examined the socio-political factors influencing water access among smallholder farmers in the Western Cape, suggesting equitable solutions to enhance governance in local water distribution.”

Kudzai Mugejo, a PhD Candidate shared insights from his ongoing PhD research, titled: The Role of Water Governance in Smallholder Farming Systems in the Western Cape. His research focuses on developing adaptive strategies to help smallholder farmers manage water scarcity in response to climate change, ultimately supporting regional water resilience. Refiloe Maphiri, a PhD Candidate
presented her PhD proposal titled: Raw Water Quality Deterioration and Treatment Cost Implications of Land Use Activities in the Overberg Water Supply System, South Africa. “Focusing on pollution sources in the Sonderend River, her research aims to inform cost-effective treatment practices that improve water quality in the Overberg Water Supply System,” Ncube noted.

Ncube chaired a special session on Water Governance for Sustainable Catchment Management in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. This session was co-convened by CPUT, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Water Research Commission, the International Water Management Institute, and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, exploring the complexities of catchment-level water governance in South Africa. More than 30 participants attended the session, including the Board Chairperson of the Water Research Commission. John Dini from the Water Research Commission discussed regulatory frameworks and institutional challenges for catchment management, including high costs and expertise gaps in water governance structures. Dr Tendai Sawunyama from the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency explored opportunities in local water governance implementation and called for a review of funding models to support catchment-level management. Dr Barbara Van Koppen from the International Water Management Institute highlighted the overlap between statutory and customary water governance and argued for the recognition of customary laws for equitable water use.

Viginia Molose from the Water Research Commission presented on the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme, demonstrating how community participation can enhance local-level water governance. Prof Larry Swatuk from the University of Waterloo, Canada, gave the closing remarks, advocating for regional cooperation in water governance, urging future water managers’ training through WaterNet, and creating organisations similar to the Water Research Commission across Africa.

Ncube added that the contributions of the SARChI Research Chair and CWSR team as well as regional and international expert insights showed the necessity of collaborative and evidence-based solutions for advancing water security. “This symposium left participants inspired and ready to tackle future water challenges, confident that continued research and partnerships will lead to a more resilient and sustainable water future for the region.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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