The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) continuous outstanding stakeholder partnership took centre stage at the Rand Water’s (RW) 120-year Legacy Celebration and Awards ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton on Friday, 24 November 2023.

The CSIR lifted an award that highlights the organisational EPIC values: Collaboration – the Rand Water Partnership award.

The Partnership award is presented by RW to a stakeholder that has consistently demonstrated the following:

• Knowledge and passion for the subject matter to ensure that information is leading edge and aligned to Forums goals.
• Champions innovation in education and research through the Forums.
• Consistent participation in Forum meetings.
• Provides Forums with high-level speakers in different areas of expertise.
• Provides a networking platform for the Forums to engage with other stakeholders in the Water Sector.
• Assist Rand Water with the shutdown project within the municipal area of jurisdiction.
• Conduct educational tours on research, development and innovation technologies.
• Adequate and consistent communication on new developments in the water sector.
• Communicate Rand Water initiatives in various Media platforms.
• Has an effective collaborative agreement/ MoU/MoA with RW  and provides adequate and consistent communication of new developments in the water sectors.

Dr Rembu Magoba, the CSIR Water Centre Manager, expressed, “It is not surprising that the water challenges are persisting at the current worrying rate and the relevant stakeholders are fighting a losing battle mainly due to lack of impactful strategic partnerships. We need to be intentional about working together, to ensure the realisation of a positive change in water & wastewater management. I am very confident that our capability and resources as a country are sufficient to address the current water issues.”

Dr Magoba accentuated that this accolade is a team effort that goes beyond just the researchers in his team, but rather a culmination of a collaborative effort between the Communication and Media Relations colleagues, who have been instrumental in organising the content that is disseminated externally.

As the Rand Water celebrated 120 years of existence, Water and Sanitation Deputy minister David Mahlobo commended the entity’s hard work, dedication and ability to effect directives when called upon.