Programme Director
Deputy Minister of Higher Education
Mayors
Councillors
Chief Dumalisile
Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Institutions
Members of the Community
Graduates
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Molweni I am humbled by the warm hospitality afforded to me by the community of Shixini under the leadership of Chief Dumalisile. As Government we really appreciate the involvement of traditional leaders in the development of our country and encourage them to do more. Our country is faced with a huge challenge that is likely to become a future threat if our water resources are not well managed, protected, used, conserved and developed in a sustainable manner.
Hence we are gathered here today to recognise and honour the 22 graduates who have successfully completed their N3 Certificates on Water and Waste Water Treatment. All these graduates were recruited from Shixini village and the adjacent communities. These young people seized the opportunity to make a difference where they live. Over and above these 22 graduates, training of 10 additional youth on plumbing, pipe laying and assembling of standpipes was completed on the 23 August 2011 and the graduation ceremony was held on the 25 November 2011.
This programme consists of basic hand skills. All learners were awarded with a certificate of competence. I am reminded of the words of our great liberation icon, Isithalandwe, the late Oliver Reginald Tambo who once said, “A nation that does not invest in its youth is not worth its future.” Our department embodies the wisdom of this veteran.
These graduates who are now water ambassadors are the beneficiaries of Shixini Adopt a River project, who decided that they will not fold their arms when our water resources are being polluted more so by human activities. We have no doubt that these water ambassadors will also encourage others and impart the knowledge and transfer the skills they have acquired during the extensive 12 months of training at the Buffalo City Further Education and Training (FET) College.
After three months of theory studies they were placed at respective workstation in Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants in the following areas Idutywa, Butterworth, Qwaninga and Elliotdale. The Department of Water Affairs is implementing awareness programmes throughout this region to educate the community about the importance and protection of our water resources, health and hygiene and Water Conservation and Demand Management.
The awareness encourages local community members to take ownership of natural water resources in terms of sustainable use. The Department of Water Affairs continues to make strides in addressing issues amongst others skills development and ageing workforce. Hence we offer bursaries for young people to pursue water related careers.
On completion of their studies the trainee graduates through our learning academy are appointed in different branches in the department. Our youth development addresses the scarce skills challenge exacerbated by the ageing work force. It also helps them to participate in the economy of this country. The War on Leaks project aims at reducing unaccounted for water through leaks in households whilst creating jobs, skills development and experience. It is aligned to the goal of reducing by half water loss by the year 2014.
Through our public awareness and education we are implementing the 2020 Vision programme which is a school based and community outreach programme. This programme continues to educate grades R to12 learners about integrated water resource management, climate change and environment including water related careers. Annually our youth continue to participate at the Stockholm World Water Week.
Annually we host youth water summit whereby learners present their action projects, go for excursions to Rand Water and Roodeplaat Dam, do public speaking and debate on selected topics and participate in national competitions. When Chief Dumalisile approached our office indicating that there is a dire need for Adopt a River project here in Shixini, we couldn’t waste any time but acted very swiftly. In response to the request from the Chief an assessment on the state of the Shixini River was conducted by the Eastern Cape Department of Water Affairs Regional office.
The assessment results confirmed that there are human activities in the river that are causing pollution and negatively affecting the water quality in the river. The river is also infested by alien species that are depleting the water source. To address the identified challenges a plan of action was developed to assist the community with the improvement of the condition of the Shixini River.
The plan of action was developed in conjunction with Working for Water Programme under the Department of Environmental Affairs. The department confirmed availability of R1, 000, 000 for the rollout of the Adopt-a-River project in the Shixini River including an awareness education programme on the protection and conservation of water resources and also for capacity building programme for the youth within Shixini village on water care and water conservation and demand management.
Training of young people with grade 12 mathematics and physical science subjects on waste water treatment, water purification and water care in general was amongst other aspects of the plan of action. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate all the graduates for the completion of this training and most importantly to say that the hard work starts now. Let me leave you with the words from uTata Nelson Mandela who said “It is in your hands to make a difference.”
I thank you.
Address by Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi on the occasion of the Graduation ceremony and handing over of the 22 N3 Certificates on Water and Waste Water Treatment in Shixini Great Place, Eastern Cape
