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Date : 13/03/2003
Source: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Title: Kasrils: Finalists for Women in Water Awards


STATEMENT BY MINISTER RONNIE KASRILS, MP: WOMEN IN WATER AWARDS/AMAKHOSIKAZI NAMANZI

Post 1994, our Parliament has one of the highest proportions of women in the world - powerful, outspoken and committed women. We have ratified the Convention to Eliminate Discrimination against Women. We have women Ministers, women leading powerful government departments, women who are leaders in business and industry, women who lead their communities. And in the water sector we have many, many women who have made their mark.

The Women in Water Awards/Amakhosikazi Namanzi aims to honour and celebrate the hard work of women and to highlight:

* The participation of professional and community-based women; and
* The key role women play in poverty eradication, education and sustainable development in both the urban and rural settings.

The Women in Water Awards is an acknowledgement of the important role women are playing in the water sector in South Africa. Each year, we will present awards to women who have played a leading role in the following fields of work:

* policy
* management
* research (over 35 years old)
* young scientist (under 35 years old)
* community (given to an individual or a community group)

The awards are presented to women of stature, women who have excelled in their field, and who have made a significant contribution to the management of water in South Africa This years finalists have all used their knowledge, skills, and considerable capacity to ensure that water management in South Africa contributes to poverty eradication and a better life for all. These women are indeed turning the tide for a better life for all of us.

The ten finalists this year are:
* Dr Nozi Mjoli ( Water Research Commission)
* Ms Manda Hinsch (Department Of Water Affairs and Forestry)
* Ms Renee van Hoeve (Mogale City Local Municipality)
* Ms Sarah De Villiers Leach (Rand Water)
* Ms Joan Whitmore (Posthumous)
* Ms Jacquiline Mary King (Department of Zoology, UCT)
* Ms Susan J Barclay (Pollution Research Group, University of Natal)
* Dr Heidi Snyman (Erwat, University of Pretoria)
* Ms Maria Kgabo (Enable Community Projects)
* Ms Tingana Raphela (Badimong Wetland project)

Additional details on the finalists:
Dr H.G Snyman, CSIR: Appointed in 1996 by the East Rand Water Care Company with the responsibility of developing and maintaining a core research and development department within the company. Seconded to the University of Pretoria and responsible for the teaching of a number of postgraduate courses as well as the supervision of M Sc and Ph D students. Her greatest scientific contribution has been her research into safe disposal and re-use of waste sewage sludge within the current SA guidelines. Council member of WISA.

Dr S.J Barclay, University of Natal: Has been trying to change industry's view of water use in terms of a number of Water Research Commission projects. Compiled a Waste Minimisation Guide for the textile Industry to assist with reduced consumption of energy and chemicals that not only resulted in environmental benefits, but also saved the industry sums of money. Successful in forming waste minimisation clubs around the country.

Ms J Whitmore, Posthumous: Her life was committed to research and various projects in which she invested her talents from 1996 to her passing away in 2002. Her approach was academic and scientific, yet also practical and focused on relevant issues. Produced a book on Drought Management on Farmlands which is about the management of all aspects of drought, culminating in defining cardinal principles of its management.

Dr Jackie King, Southern Waters Ecological Research: Contributed to the field of Instream Flow Requirements. Was the main architect of the Building Block Methodology, which became an international benchmark for IFR assessment in the 1990s. Has been an international leader in fundamental research into the invertebrate communities of rivers, their habitat requirements and how these change with flowing change patterns.

Ms Maria Kgabo, Enable Community: Has facilitated a great amount of development in her community, including the establishment of water preservation projects. Her greatest achievement is the unique water conservation project she developed in 1993 which has been successful in supplying water. Also empowers others via training projects, about safe water, water purification projects, storm water drainage, gardening and building of bridges and brick manufacturing.

Ms T Raphela, Badimong Wetland Project: Initiated a wetland rehabilitation programme in Limpopo. She also used the project to address other environmental issues such as water and sanitation, food security, permaculture, road safety, school curriculum, wetlands and culture.

Ms R van Hoeve, formerly of Mogale City Municipality: Responsible for the management of the Department: Scientific Services at Mogale City Municipality where she developed among other things, a highly user friendly, efficient system for trade-effluent sampling, monitoring, tariffing and overall management. Her persistence in handling spillages to the environment has led to many spillages being attended to.

Ms S de Villiers Leach, formerly of Rand Water: Has worked to ensure the success of the various forums which Rand Water has established to communicate with its stakeholders. This has enhanced the respect for and professionalism of Rand Water as an institution.

Dr N Mjoli, Water Research Commission: Has a passion for finding solutions to the water supply and sanitation challenges facing the people of South Africa. Has been instrumental in incubating and catalysing research and development in the subject area of water supply and sanitation for marginalised communities. She is a role model for the younger generation of black women.

Ms Manda Hinsch, DWAF: Has been involved in numerous projects dealing with the development of water quality policy and its implementation. She has also contributed highly to the DANCED project on water quality in dense settlements.

Enquiries:
Themba Khumalo, Tel: 012-3368246, Cell: 082 8023432
Hayley Rodkin, Tel: 012-3368600, Cell:082 8022895
13 March 2003
Source: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (http://www.dwaf.gov.za)

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