By Levy Masiteng
A new partnership between the China-South Africa Youth Federation (CSAYF) and the Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation (NIHWA) is expected to create 1,500 work opportunities for young South Africans in the water sector, according to the federation.
The initiative was announced by CSAYF President Luyanda Jonas following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations in China.
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Preparatory work is expected to begin later this year, with full implementation scheduled for 2027.
“This partnership marks a momentous milestone in deepening bilateral relations and driving sustainable growth between South Africa and China,” said Jonas.
The federation stated that the programme will initially benefit young people in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, with a focus on developing skills and creating work opportunities in critical areas of South Africa’s water sector.
The opportunities will focus on water treatment, water monitoring and data management systems, as well as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications for water resource management, according to Jonas.
As part of the partnership, young engineers and water technicians will have the opportunity to undergo specialised training in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
“We will also be taking young engineers and water technicians to be trained in Nanjing, while working with South African universities and TVET colleges to identify suitable candidates,” Jonas said.
“One of the most important lessons we can learn from China’s development experience is that economic transformation requires vision, education, innovation, discipline and hard work,” Jonas said.
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The announcement comes as South Africa continues to grapple with serious water supply challenges.
Communities across the country have experienced recurring water shortages, while municipalities face mounting challenges linked to ageing infrastructure, water leaks, inadequate maintenance and technical capacity shortages.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned that many municipal water systems are under severe pressure. In its latest assessments, the department said 107 out of 144 Water Services Authorities scored poor or critical in relation to drinking water or wastewater performance.
The department has also said non-revenue water averages 47% across Water Services Authorities, compared with a benchmark of 25%. Non-revenue water includes water lost through leaks, but can also include illegal connections, unbilled consumption and billed water that is not paid for.
CSAYF said the new partnership aims not only to create work opportunities, but also to strengthen South Africa’s ability to manage and protect its water resources through technology, innovation and skills development.
“Water Resource Management will focus on deploying advanced automated technologies to improve the management, conservation and sustainability of water resources,” said Jonas.
According to the federation, the skills development component will facilitate knowledge transfer, scientific research and specialised technical training, while the innovation and youth empowerment pillar seeks to equip young people with the skills and tools needed to become leaders in emerging industries.
Jonas said South African youth have the potential to become key drivers of industrialisation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and sustainable development.
“The future of South Africa lies in the hands of its youth. Through knowledge, innovation and determination, they can transform challenges into opportunities and create lasting prosperity for the nation,” he said.
