Over the few days, we participated in the project meeting and Water Hackathon hosted by the Stellenbosch University Water and by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority. Joining forces with South African partners and European partners, including government, education and water industries in Linpopo, Cape Town and others. We exchange our knowledge, experience and expertise in addressing pressing water challenges.

PoVE Water mission was an incredible opportunity to reflect on our progress, plan future activities and international partnership. This approach fosters deep collaboration between stakeholders to develop water smart solution in real-world sector. The water supply and treatment sector are a major energy for its collection, treatment and transportation. Also, we are excited for the official launch of the South African Centres of Vocational Excellence in Water in collaboration with EWSETA.

The Water Hackathon brought together a mix of stakeholders, students, working under innovative solutions in just 1.5 days.  The Water Hackathon, where innovative solution to water challenge have been developed.

Valentina Chanina (EfVET) thanks to the support of Water Hackathon “How can we enhance Community Engagement in Water Conversation?” as a coach.

We noticed that water is essential to human health and wellbeing, the climate and the natural world. We focus on the community involved in water conversation starts with education and incentives campaigns that teach people about why water conversation matters and show easy way to reduce water use can make a big impact. The problem was inspiring, and the creative in our project “Penguins Save the World” tacked four critical challenges facing in South Africa:

• Education and awareness on community level methods of improving water security.
• Water cleaning group mobilisation.
• Water treatment course.
• Leaking infrastructure.

We used all our talent to be in the water game of Hackathon! Of course, the best idea, best pitch will go for the first prize. In the end our students from South Africa Comfort Mamogale (Capricorn TVET College) and Douglas Archer (Stellenbosch University) prepare our project in 5 minutes with problems and solution.

Collaboration between TVET and University drives impactful water solution while sustainable development in deeply integrated into PoVE Water education strategy. The students prioritized socially sustainable Penguins Postcards campaign, empowering learners with the skills to advance the changemakers to shape the future of Vocational Education and water excellence in South Africa.

In the end the special recognition for Comfort Mamogale (Capricorn TVET College), who earned a trip to Leeuwarden (Netherlands) for the International Project Week Water week 2025.

Community projects like rainwater harvesting helps people work together toward a common conversation goal, creating a culture that benefits in South Africa.

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