The Central Branch, established shortly after the Ground Water 2005 Conference (Gauteng), became the driver and main coordinator for the Ground Water 2007 Conference that was hosted in Bloemfontein from 8-10 October 2007.
The Central Branch of the Groundwater Division consists of members from the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Provinces.
Under the visionary leadership of Mr Cedric Nelson, the immediate past chair from 2006-2008, this branch grew substantially following the very successful 2005 Conference. The Conference theme: “An Africa where groundwater is valued and sustainably managed by empowered stakeholders” drew 254 delegates not only from South Africa but also Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. This conference was also instrumental to ensure a higher level of awareness with the former Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry, Me Lindiwe Hendricks attending.
The central branch are presently (2009-) chaired by Mr Gawie van Dyk (DWAF Northern Cape), and Dr Jennifer Pretorius (formerly from the Institute for Groundwater Studies, now a private consultant with Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd) as secretary.