The Water Research Commission (WRC) is an entity of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) under the National Government of South Africa.
The Water Research Commission was established in terms of the Water Research Act (Act No 34 of 1971), following a period of serious water shortage.
It was deemed to be of national importance to generate new knowledge and to promote South Africa’s water research purposefully, owing to the view held that water would be one of South Africa’s most limiting factors in the 21st century.
In 1971, when the Water Research Commission was founded, water research and development (R&D) in South Africa was limited to a few institutions, and the funding level was inadequate. There was no research coordination and an apparent neglect of some key research fields.
In addition, there was little strategic direction or leadership that would provide for the identification of priority areas or appropriate technology transfer. It was to address these issues that the Water Research Commission was established.
Currently, South Africa is still under threat of a lack of sufficient water, while water quality and availability issues are becoming more acute.
However, the country is much better prepared to deal with this problem owing to the Water Research Commission’s meaningful contribution to the development of the capacity of the water sector, the broadening of the country’s water-centred R&D base, and the Water Research Commission’s continued commitment to direct and fund research on critical issues.
In the future (short- to long-term), it is envisaged that South Africa’s water problems may intensify. Issues such as water for all, quality of life, and a sustainable environment are an essential part of the country’s national priorities and require considerable attention.
In addition, implementation of the National Water Act of 1998 and the related national water strategy places considerable demand on water management and calls for research support.
The role of South Africa in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development), especially with regard to water resources and water supply and sanitation issues, poses new challenges and requires new initiatives that are within the mandate of the Water Research Commission.
The primary functions of the Water Research Commission are to:
- Promote coordination, cooperation, and communication in the area of water research
- Establish water research needs and priorities
- Stimulate and fund water research according to priority
- Promote the effective transfer of information and technology
- Enhance knowledge and capacity building within the water sector
Vision
The vision of the Water Research Commission is to have highly informed water decision-making through science and technology at all levels, in all stakeholder groups, and innovative water solutions through research and development for South Africa, Africa, and the world.
Mission
The mission of the Water Research Commission is to be a global water knowledge node and South Africa’s premier water knowledge hub, active across the innovation value chain that:
- Informs policy and decision-making
- Creates new products, innovations, and services for socio-economic development
- Develops human capital in the water science sector
- Empowers communities and reduces poverty
- Supports the national transformation and redress project
- Develops sustainable solutions and deepens water research and development in South Africa, Africa, and the developing world
Values
- A culture of learning and sharing
- Innovation and creativity
- Integrity and fairness
- A spirit of professionalism and service orientation
- Facilitating empowerment and social change
- Good governance
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chairperson
- Dr Rethabile Bonang Melamu
Deputy Chairperson
- Dr Harrison Pienaar
Board Members
- Mr Willem Bertram Baird
- Mrs Zama Portia Dlamini
- Prof Nnenesi Kgabi
- Ms Nkuli Mxenge Mayende
- Adv Rennette Mary Rosey
- Dr Tendai Sawunyama
- Ms Megan Schalkwyk
- Prof Aldo Stroebel
Chief Executive Officer
- Dr Jennifer Molwantwa
Chief Financial Officer
- Mr Fazel Ismail
Senior Management
- Dr Shafick Adams (Senior Research Manager: Water Availability)
- Mr Jay Bhagwan (Senior Research Manager: Water Quality and Senior Research Manager: Knowledge Dissemination)
- Dr Stanley Liphadzi (Executive: Research and Development)
- Ms Reshmili Lutchman (Executive: Corporate Services)
- Prof Sylvester Mpandeli (Senior Research Manager: Water Use)
- Dr Mandla Msibi (Executive: Stakeholder and Communications)
- Dr Valerie Naidoo (Senior Manager: Water Advisory Services)
Communications Officers
- Ms Reshmili Lutchman (Information Officer)
- Ms Shirley Maheso (Information Officer)
- Ms Zama Zulu (Manager: Marketing and Communications)
Contact Details
The contact details of the Water Research Commission (WRC) are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | Water Research Commission, 2nd Floor Bloukrans Building, Lynnwood Bridge, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Postal Address: | Private Bag X03, Gezina, 0031 |
| Telephone: | 012 761 9300 |
| Email: | info@wrc.org.za |
| Fraud Hotline: | 0800 214 777 or email → hotline@kpmg.co.za |
| Website: | www.wrc.org.za |
