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Climate Change Seminar: Addressing Southern Africa's Risky Future

The SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) hosted a seminar on Extreme Weather and Climate in Southern Africa: A Risky Future on 25 November 2024 at the CPUT Bellville Campus. The seminar started with a presentation of the Research Chair by Prof Bongani Ncube.

Prof Kingsley Ayisi gave a presentation on the Centre for Global Change (University of Limpopo), which emphasised the region's vulnerability to climate change. Key topics included disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient development, and capacity building to empower communities to tackle challenges like droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. The Centre's focus on interdisciplinary research and community-centred solutions was widely praised for its practical approach to mitigating climate risks.

Prof. Hector Chikoore (University of Limpopo) presented on Southern Africa’s increasing exposure to extreme weather patterns, including heatwaves, droughts, and cyclones, which threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. He underscored the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, improved water management, and strengthened governance to combat these challenges.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Ncube expressed optimism about the seminar's outcomes, highlighting the potential for impactful collaborations. "The seeds of meaningful partnerships have been planted," she said, reaffirming the commitment to advancing research and solutions to combat climate change in Southern Africa. The seminar concluded with engaging discussions on the importance of actionable research, collaboration among academic institutions, and policies that translate knowledge into tangible solutions. Participants expressed optimism about fostering partnerships to build a sustainable and resilient future for Southern Africa.

Participants at the Climate Change Seminar held between CPUT and the University of Limpopo on the 25th of November 2024

SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions and the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) Team at the 25th WaterNet/WARSFA/GWP-SA Symposium

30 October – 1 November 2024, Avani Maseru Hotel, Maseru, Lesotho

The SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, Prof Bongani Ncube, led a team of students and staff from the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) at the recently completed 25th WaterNet/WARSFA/GWP-SA Symposium, held from 30 October to 1 November 2024 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.

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. Dr Evans Shoko, a Postdoctoral Fellow, presented a paper titled “Water access conflicts among smallholder farmers in historical towns in the Western Cape, South Africa.” 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. Mr. Kudzai Mugejo, a PhD Candidate
shared insights from his ongoing PhD research, “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. Ms 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.

Professor Ncube chaired a special session on “Water Governance for Sustainable Catchment Management in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.” This session, co-convened by CPUT, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Water Research Commission, International Water Management Institute & Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, explored 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. Mr 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. Prof. Maxwell Mudhara from the University of KwaZulu-Natal examined formal and informal governance challenges within small irrigation schemes, noting the need for optimised government support for small-scale irrigators. Ms Viginia Molose from the Water Research Commission presented on the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme, demonstrating how local-level water governance can be enhanced through community participation. Prof. Larry Swatuk from the University of Waterloo, Canada, gave 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.

The contributions of the SARChI Research Chair/CWSR team and 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.

Participants of the special session led by Prof Ncube at the 25th WaterNet/WARSFA/GWP-SA Symposium, held from 30 October to 1 November 2024, in Maseru, Lesotho

Centre for Water and Sanitation researchers discuss climate-resilient water and agricultural strategies for smallholder farmers at the SAIAE/PASAE Symposium

A team of researchers from the Centre of Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) hosted a thought-provoking session at the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) and Pan African Society of Agricultural Engineering (PASAE) International Symposium on the 23^rd of October 2024, drawing attention to the vital link between water governance, infrastructure, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers. The session attracted full capacity of the meeting. The session opened with a presentation by Professor Bongani Ncube, who introduced the audience to an ongoing Water Research Commission-funded project titled “Water governance and infrastructure integration for climate change adaptation for smallholder farmers in the Western Cape, South Africa.” Prof Ncube introduced the objectives of the CWSR and discussed the role of the SARChI Chair in advancing sustainable water practices.

Four CWSR researchers then shared insights from their respective studies, each addressing unique aspects of water resource management. PhD candidate Kudzai Mugejo presented on “The status of agricultural water infrastructure in smallholder farming systems in the Overberg District, Western Cape”, illustrating both the current challenges and opportunities within smallholder farming communities. Following this, Aphiwe Manyiki, a Masters candidate, explored “Water availability and infrastructural management in the Goedverwacht Settlement, West Coast District, South Africa”, focusing on local infrastructural limitations and potential improvements for water security.

Further broadening the session’s scope, Pitso Mashile, another Masters candidate, delivered a presentation titled “Understanding the effects of climate change on agricultural production in smallholder farms in the Overberg District, Western Cape.” His research highlighted the direct impact of climate variability on crop yields and the need for adaptive strategies tailored to smallholder contexts. Concluding the session, Dr Evans Shoko, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, presented “Future casting climate-resilient strategies for water resource management and agricultural production for smallholder farmers in the Western Cape, South Africa.” Dr Shoko shared insights from stakeholder consultations, stressing the need for an adaptable water system that balances immediate needs with long-term resilience. His talk explored key challenges, and innovative “seeds” for change, and outlined a vision for a sustainable and inclusive future in agricultural water governance.

The session closed with an engaging plenary discussion, as attendees exchanged ideas and insights on developing resilient agricultural practices across the African continent. The research presented by the CWSR team demonstrated how collaboration and evidence-based solutions are crucial for sustainable water and agricultural management in South Africa and beyond. The symposium left participants with a renewed sense of purpose and the knowledge that, with targeted action and support, a climate-resilient future for smallholder farmers is within reach.

Pofessor Bongani Ncube with current students and CPUT Alumni at the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) and Pan African Society of Agricultural Engineering (PASAE) International Symposium