North West Past Events
This page is managed by the North West Branch of YWP-ZA.
If you have an idea for an event that you would like to create or attend in the North West Province,
please email us! Our contact information can be found Here
If you have an idea for an event that you would like to create or attend in the North West Province,
please email us! Our contact information can be found Here
Water Week 2019: Public Lecture
The YWP hosted a public event to discuss and unpack the challenges surrounding the applications of water. This event was a public lecture and was held on the 18 th of March 2019. The topics that were discussed related to groundwater, water as integral component of irrigation, water analysis in the industry, and future research opportunities in water related sectors. The event was attended by
approximately 50 people from various disciplines associated with water and ranged from academia,representatives from related industries, the general public, and university students.
The host who presented the welcome and rationale was Mr. Roelof Coertze, chair of the YWP-NW, who also mediated the various presentations. He discussed the importance of the Water Week initiative as well as the impact that awareness of our surroundings will have globally. The first speaker, Mr. Lohan Bredenhann, discussed the unknown world of groundwater. It was made apparent that industrial by-products not only negatively impact groundwater, but also the lives of people who are dependent on these waters for consumption.
The next speaker, Mr. Ramon Joubert, an irrigation specialist representing ‘Kleinplaas Pype’, enlightened the audience on the integrate workings of irrigation in agriculture. The audience enthusiastically engaged in a discussion on hitherto unknown facts regarding irrigation, such as the types of irrigation systems and the importance of recycling unused or overused irrigation equipment.
approximately 50 people from various disciplines associated with water and ranged from academia,representatives from related industries, the general public, and university students.
The host who presented the welcome and rationale was Mr. Roelof Coertze, chair of the YWP-NW, who also mediated the various presentations. He discussed the importance of the Water Week initiative as well as the impact that awareness of our surroundings will have globally. The first speaker, Mr. Lohan Bredenhann, discussed the unknown world of groundwater. It was made apparent that industrial by-products not only negatively impact groundwater, but also the lives of people who are dependent on these waters for consumption.
The next speaker, Mr. Ramon Joubert, an irrigation specialist representing ‘Kleinplaas Pype’, enlightened the audience on the integrate workings of irrigation in agriculture. The audience enthusiastically engaged in a discussion on hitherto unknown facts regarding irrigation, such as the types of irrigation systems and the importance of recycling unused or overused irrigation equipment.
Discussing analysis of water in the industry, Ms. Mariska Fourie spoke about the dangers of microbes in water and how the industry handles microbial limits on water for various applications and various microbial and chemical parameters. She made it clear that without proper water analyses some businesses may fall victim to unwanted microbial outbreaks. Ms. Fourie was invited as a representative of ‘Envirocare Laboratories’ situated in Potchefstroom.
Finally, Professor Carlos Bezuidenhout, who is a principle investigator and researcher at the North-West University whose research focuses on water related aspects, presented a dynamic perspective on the current research needs in South Africa’s water sectors. His presentation highlighted the importance of obtaining funding for personal research, large research projects, and collaboration among various water related entities. It became clear that networking, research collaboration and maintaining professional relationships are imperatives for ensuring ongoing water related initiatives.
In closure, positive and avid feedback was shared among the speakers and the participants. Future similar events that will be organised by the YWP are much anticipated as the YWP has accepted the mandate to accommodate the many requests for similar meetings. The event was a resounding success and is the first of many such initiatives.
Finally, Professor Carlos Bezuidenhout, who is a principle investigator and researcher at the North-West University whose research focuses on water related aspects, presented a dynamic perspective on the current research needs in South Africa’s water sectors. His presentation highlighted the importance of obtaining funding for personal research, large research projects, and collaboration among various water related entities. It became clear that networking, research collaboration and maintaining professional relationships are imperatives for ensuring ongoing water related initiatives.
In closure, positive and avid feedback was shared among the speakers and the participants. Future similar events that will be organised by the YWP are much anticipated as the YWP has accepted the mandate to accommodate the many requests for similar meetings. The event was a resounding success and is the first of many such initiatives.
Water Week 2019: Public Awareness
During Water Week 2019, the Microbiology department of the North-West University and the YWP-NW took initiative by spreading information regarding the sustainability of water to the students on the Potchefstroom campus. Students of the NWU were approached and given a short presentation on how to save water and how to identify contaminated water.
Many students were approached and took part in the discussions. The initiative was successful in that many of the students were not informed on many of the topics that were discussed. A general consensus was reached that future Water Week events should be held for longer periods of time and should also be extended to other locations so that more members of the public can be reached.
Many students were approached and took part in the discussions. The initiative was successful in that many of the students were not informed on many of the topics that were discussed. A general consensus was reached that future Water Week events should be held for longer periods of time and should also be extended to other locations so that more members of the public can be reached.
No water, no beer!
In July of 2018 the YWP-NW thought it would be a good idea to explore some everyday uses of water. The obvious choice was the use of water in beer, which is of course, an integral part. But a lecture would not be sufficient, the YWP-NW thought it would be a good idea for participants to taste the water within the ancient beverage.
A few kilometers outside Potchefstroom a little craft-brewery is situated. This brewery is called Route 96 and is home of some of the most delicious home-brewed beers. The owner of the brewery was gracious enough to host a tour of the brewery, as well as a tasting event. Thirty people participated in this event and it was a resounding success!
The opportunity provided people with insight regarding the workings of a brewery and how water is used, re-used and purified for commercial consumption. After the official event, everyone took part in some further tastings of the variety of beers. After that, some other beers were tasted, and so on and so forth... Needless to say, everyone had fun!
A few kilometers outside Potchefstroom a little craft-brewery is situated. This brewery is called Route 96 and is home of some of the most delicious home-brewed beers. The owner of the brewery was gracious enough to host a tour of the brewery, as well as a tasting event. Thirty people participated in this event and it was a resounding success!
The opportunity provided people with insight regarding the workings of a brewery and how water is used, re-used and purified for commercial consumption. After the official event, everyone took part in some further tastings of the variety of beers. After that, some other beers were tasted, and so on and so forth... Needless to say, everyone had fun!
A Bit of YWP Awareness
At the North-West University, the department of Microbiology takes pride in their involvement in water quality. A workshop was held on 25 March 2017. Students and lecturers involved in water related research took part at the workshop pertaining to understanding the bigger picture and the ripples that their research would have. Professor Carlos Bezuidenhout, a passionate YWP supporter, organized the event and spoke on how the research of student would one day help communities in the North West Province.
Roelof Coertze, a representative of the YWP North West Chapter committee was present at the workshop. The opportunity was used to present the advantages of involvement and membership at YWP and WISA. A short presentation regarding the involvement of YWP in the community and industrial water sector was given. Since a large group of young water related researchers were together, the opportunity was greatly appreciated. Various followup questions from the students were answered. The most passionate question was from the older students who were jokingly hoping to join YWP with disregard to their age. In the future we will see these students' involvement and impact of their research in the water sector.
Roelof Coertze, a representative of the YWP North West Chapter committee was present at the workshop. The opportunity was used to present the advantages of involvement and membership at YWP and WISA. A short presentation regarding the involvement of YWP in the community and industrial water sector was given. Since a large group of young water related researchers were together, the opportunity was greatly appreciated. Various followup questions from the students were answered. The most passionate question was from the older students who were jokingly hoping to join YWP with disregard to their age. In the future we will see these students' involvement and impact of their research in the water sector.
Launch of the North West Chapter
The North West Chapter of the Young Water Professionals was announced on 23 July 2016 at the North-West University Botanical Gardens. It was a successful day, filled with enthusiasm, participation and fun. Guests were greeted in the morning with nice hot cup of tea or coffee, also allowing the opportunity to chat to fellow water enthusiasts.
The day was filled with various presentations regarding networking, committee involvement and water as a resource. Professor Nico Smit, Director of the School for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University, spoke about a newly implemented Management Program. Prof Smit is was a very welcome guest at the launch since his selfless support of the YWP in unparalleled. The event guest speaker, Dr. Henry Roman, enlightened us with the topic of water in our everyday lives. It was a great honor, considering he was a past YWP member. Our first Chair for the North West Chapter spoke on behalf of the committee, providing a general overview and introduction to the North West Chapter committee members. The current Chair of the National Committee, Nora Hanke, also gave a presentation about the responsibilities and involvements of the National Committee. One could feel the passion and enthusiasm that the she has for her position, truly inspiring!
The day ended with a tasty lunch and the participation of water related games, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Participants joined in shooting water bottles with water guns, milking a latex glove, water-pong, blindfolded water distribution and staking of cans on a water platform. All games were in the effort to break the ice and get the networking going, also a little friendly competition never hurt anybody!
The day taught us that there are people in the North-West willing to make a difference in the water sector. As long as we keep striving to a better tomorrow, there is no reason why we should allow others to give up on a sustainable future.
The day was filled with various presentations regarding networking, committee involvement and water as a resource. Professor Nico Smit, Director of the School for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University, spoke about a newly implemented Management Program. Prof Smit is was a very welcome guest at the launch since his selfless support of the YWP in unparalleled. The event guest speaker, Dr. Henry Roman, enlightened us with the topic of water in our everyday lives. It was a great honor, considering he was a past YWP member. Our first Chair for the North West Chapter spoke on behalf of the committee, providing a general overview and introduction to the North West Chapter committee members. The current Chair of the National Committee, Nora Hanke, also gave a presentation about the responsibilities and involvements of the National Committee. One could feel the passion and enthusiasm that the she has for her position, truly inspiring!
The day ended with a tasty lunch and the participation of water related games, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Participants joined in shooting water bottles with water guns, milking a latex glove, water-pong, blindfolded water distribution and staking of cans on a water platform. All games were in the effort to break the ice and get the networking going, also a little friendly competition never hurt anybody!
The day taught us that there are people in the North-West willing to make a difference in the water sector. As long as we keep striving to a better tomorrow, there is no reason why we should allow others to give up on a sustainable future.
