On World Water Day, observed on 22 March 2026, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) recognised the role of science in addressing water challenges by honouring Prof Bongani Ncube, winner of the 2025 NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award of the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa (SA), the highly acclaimed NSTF-South32 Awards.
Left to right: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Prof Bongani Ncube, and Dr Jennifer Molwantwa (CEO: WRC). Supplied by NSTF
National Water Week has just been celebrated in South Africa (16–20 March 2026), and while water access and service delivery remain uneven in the country, Prof Ncube’s work stands out for its contribution to strengthening water governance and improving how water systems serve communities.
Prof Ncube says: “This isn’t just my win, it’s our win – the communities, farmers, students, collaborators and my institution. This award amplifies our collective voices and the work we’re doing together.”
About Prof Bongani Ncube
Prof Ncube is a leading scholar in water governance and economics: the chair holder of the DSTI/NRF/WRC South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Governance and Economics for the Water and Sanitation Sector at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). She supervises numerous postgraduate students, shaping the next generation of water governance experts. Her research focuses on the relationship between water access, policy and socio-economic development, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Prof Ncube’s work provides critical insights into how governance structures and economic frameworks shape water distribution and service delivery. By bridging research and policy, she has contributed to more informed decision-making processes that support equitable and sustainable water management.
“The future of water governance is collaborative, inclusive and just. We must keep building systems that honour the voices of those most affected – because that’s where true transformation begins,” says Ncube.
In addition to her academic contributions, Prof Ncube has played a key role in fostering collaboration across sectors, linking research institutions, government and international partners. This approach strengthens the development of practical solutions to complex water challenges, particularly in the context of climate variability and growing demand for resources.
Her work continues to highlight the human dimension of water insecurity, emphasising that access to water is closely tied to dignity, stability and socio-economic development.
World Water Day – A global call to action
Led by the United Nations (UN), World Water Day focuses global attention on the need to ensure access to safe water for all and to promote sustainable management of water resources.
The day highlights challenges such as water scarcity, pollution and the increasing pressure placed on water systems by climate change and population growth. These issues are reflected in the South African context, where infrastructure constraints and environmental factors continue to affect reliable water supply.
By recognising leaders such as Prof Ncube, the NSTF emphasises the importance of research-driven solutions in addressing these challenges. Her work demonstrates how strong governance and informed policy can contribute to more resilient and inclusive water systems.
As SA marks this important day, the NSTF highlights the urgent need to prioritise water security through science, innovation and inclusive governance. Prof Ncube’s work demonstrates the impact that research can have in shaping policies and improving access to essential resources.
The NSTF calls on government, industry, academia and communities to work collaboratively in addressing water challenges. Strengthening governance systems, investing in research, and supporting evidence-based solutions are essential steps towards ensuring sustainable and equitable access to water for all. Through collective action, SA can build a more resilient water future that supports both people and the environment.
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| About the NSTF and the NSTF-South32 Awards
NSTF is an independent non-profit stakeholder body and network – a civil-society forum of over 150 member organisations across six membership sectors, involved in science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation in SA. |
Source: Supplied by NSTF National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
