National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba: A Convergence of Innovation and Opportunities

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in KwaZulu-Natal is partnering with Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water to host the National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba on June 26-30, 2023, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The event aims to bring together young professionals in the water and sanitation industry to generate innovative ideas and find solutions to challenges in the sector.

Empowering the Youth in the Water and Sanitation Sector

The Youth Indaba is part of the Department’s Youth Month commemoration, highlighting opportunities for youth development and their role in the water and sanitation sector. The event will provide a platform for reflecting on governmental plans and initiatives, and improving institutional governance, job creation, skills development, economic and social growth, and enhancing the youth’s contributions to service delivery within their communities.

Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future

With the theme “Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future,” the Indaba will facilitate dialogue, technical expertise exchange, and knowledge sharing among youth in the sector. The event aims to accelerate youth economic emancipation while ensuring a sustainable future for the industry and the communities it serves.

Keynote Address and Excursion

The Indaba will kick-off with a keynote address by Minister Senzo Mchunu, with support from Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, as well as Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water board members. Participants will engage with their peers, learn from experts, and develop potential solutions to prevailing challenges over five days. A unique aspect of the Youth Indaba is the excursion to the Midmar Dam and a water treatment plant, scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2023. Participants will also visit the Darvill and Reuse site, experiencing firsthand the practical aspects of the water and sanitation industry.

Media Coverage

The event is open to members of the media, who are invited to attend and cover the proceedings from June 26-30, 2023, at the Durban International Convention Centre. A detailed program of the week-long Youth Indaba is expected to be released soon, offering members of the media a chance to interact with the young professionals in the water and sanitation sector.

Empowering the Youth for a Sustainable Future

The National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba serves as a testament to the potential of the youth in addressing and solving critical challenges in the water and sanitation industry. By fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating the exchange of ideas, the event will undoubtedly generate innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for the sector and the communities it serves.