by Afika Ndlela 7 December 2023

Introduction:
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Young Water Professionals (YWP-ZA) Programme in South Africa is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among individuals engaged in or intrigued by the water sector. YWP-ZA constitutes a community of individuals deeply enthusiastic about every facet of water and its inherent connections to people, economies, development, nature, dignity, and life itself. It’s 7th annual conference was dedicated to providing opportunities for YWPs to learn, build skills and expand their network through oral presentations, poster sessions, workshops and networking opportunities while demonstrating the range of knowledge, skills and expertise of YWPs in South Africa.

In 2020, Water Footprint Initiative (WFI) partnered with the 11th Hour Racing Team, the American sailing team participating in the Ocean Race 2022-2023, to assess their water footprint and test the Water Footprint Compensation concept. The team not only served as an inspirational partner but also supported a compensation pilot project in Cape Town's Makhaza community and Khayelitsha Wetlands through their Legacy Grant program

The sessions covered a broad variety of conversations with a diverse group of keynote speakers presenting topics around Plant Digital Operations and Modelling, Resource Recovery from the treatment of Acid Mine Drainage, Enhancing Community Participation in Water Governance for Effective Water Resources Management, Policy and Regulation for Water and Wastewater Management, Innovative Decentralised Sustainable Sanitation Solutions and so much more.

Afika Ndlela was there for a poster presentation under the sub-theme: Community Participation & Development. Poster title: Community Capacity Development for Water Compensation Framework.