By Themba Khoza and Nhlamulo Makhubele
As part of South Africa’s 2030 National Development Plan, the Department of Water and Sanitation took part in the Mpact Career Expo, exposing youth to different career paths within the water sector, and emphasised the importance of water conservation.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Mpumalanga engaged and introduced hundreds of learners from surrounding areas within the Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga Province to career paths and development opportunities within the Department and the water sector at large during the Mpact Career Expo held at the Mondi Science Centre in Mkhondo Local Municipality from 4–8 May 2026.
DWS official, Mr Abednigo Mboweni delivered a comprehensive presentation to high school learners and educators on the different projects within the Water and Sanitation Education Programme and career opportunities within the water sector. He has outlined the different competitions such as the South African Youth Water Prize, Public Speaking and Aqua Enduro and encouraged the learners to participate to stand a chance of winning great prizes such as bursaries and a chance to fly to Stockholm to represent the country and compete against learners from other parts of the world. He further engaged out-of-school youth on the various career opportunities available within the water sector.
Mr Nhlamulo Makhubele from Communication Services within the DWS Mpumalanga Provincial Office provided learners with an in-depth overview of water and sanitation business processes. He has outlined the career opportunities with the different process in the water and sanitation business from the source up to the tap. He further highlighted the diverse technical and professional skills required to maintain efficient water and sanitation services within communities. He also reminded them that they have a critical role to play in ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply to all, especially as South Africa is a water-scarce country. management. Lastly, he called on the learners to be water ambassadors so as to spread the message of water conservation and to protect water and sanitation infrastructure in their communities.
“The most important I ask from you, is to spread the message of water conservation in your communities. Remember, South Africa is a water scarce country therefore you must play your part so that this generation and future generations do not run out of water. Water is life. Lastly, do not allow criminals to deny communities access to the source of life and pollute our water resources through acts of water and sanitation infrastructure vandalism and theft. You must report all criminal activities to your parents to report to the police. Don’t turn a blind eye on theft and vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure”, he said.
Thwela Zikhona, a grade 12 learner at Siphokuhle Secondary School, expressed her ambition to pursue post-matric studies in Hydrology. She has explained that her passion for Water Resource Management is driven by the growing need for suitable water solutions in South Africa, where challenges such as droughts, water scarcity, and climate change continue to affect many communities.
Educators accompanying the learners were also encouraged to play an active role in guiding and encouraging learners towards careers within the water and sanitation sector.
Informational water career booklets and water-saving tips were distributed to schools as educational resources for both learners and teachers. The material will further assist schools in promoting awareness of career opportunities and study pathways within the sector.
Learners were encouraged to use water responsibly and adopt sustainable water-saving practices amid ongoing water challenges affecting various parts of the country. Officials emphasised the importance of water conservation, noting that South Africa is among the world’s most water-scarce countries. The session further highlighted the need to protect and preserve limited water resources for future generations.
Source Available on www.dws.gov.za
