The GWD applaud the recent initiative of Ms Izelda Uses-Mbatha - a teacher at the Wonderland Christian Pre- and Primary School, located in Clayville, Midrand - whom initiated, with the enthusiastic support from the school principal, a groundwater science workshop with her Grade 2 and 3 class in December 2020.

The workshop focused on the 'Wonders of the water cycle' and importance of groundwater in nature and had the students participating in an activity making an aquifer model.

With the joint efforts of the Water Research Commission (Mrs Virginia Molose and Mr Yazeed van Wyk, Research managers at the WRC), the Department of Water and Sanitation (Mrs Olga de Beer and Mr Fanus Fourie) and the Ground Water Division (Ms Nicolette Vermaak, IGS), available learning materials were investigated, sourced and supplied where possible.

The following materials and sources were also recommended:

Groundwater Foundation, US- Learning Resources for Students & Educators

SA DWS Groundwater - A series of posters about groundwater and our health. It is an interactive teaching tool and must be used with the Teacher's Guide.
Poster 1 shows the water cycle [3.2 MB]
Poster 2 shows how groundwater can be polluted [2.5 MB]
Poster 3 shows you ways to keep water clean so that you stay healthy [3.2 MB]

It was especially the 'Fill and Colour' groundwater booklet with drawn groundwater pictures from the creative hand of Ms Nicolette Vermaak, that as a 1st draft version, inspired the possibility of similar materials that can be developed in the future.

Ms Izelda Uses-Mbatha reported that the Workshop was much enjoyed by the kids (and teachers alike) and hope to repeat this 'fun learning event' with other classes as well.

As part of the fun activities, the GWD invited the learners to take part in a coloring competition over the December 2020 holiday.

We can’t see groundwater because it’s hidden below
But the turning windmill is a tell and a show:
That somewhere, not too far under the ground
Lies a treasure of blue just waiting to be found!

The Division received 22 entries. All coloured pictures submitted by Grade 2A and Grade 3A are beautiful (!) and it was very difficult to decide on the final winner. It was only after a rigorous (and scientific) evaluation process, that an overall winner was announced:

Congratulations to Nathan Mbata - Age 8 that was selected as the Top Entry.

Award Ceremony

Should you be interested in AWARENESS INITIATIVES & MATERIALS - do contact us via info@nullgwd.org.za and get involved.

View event website

GWD GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2021 - THEME

The UN-Water selected Theme for World Water Day 2022 is “Groundwater: making the invisible visible” – as proposed by International Groundwater Resource Assessment Centre.
AMCOW’s Pan-Africa Groundwater Program is geared towards building resilient groundwater resources of Africa.
SADC, through SADC-GMI continuously promotes sustainable groundwater development, that way ensuring water and food security for the Region.
The UN endeavors to ‘leave no one behind’ in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The current National Chair of the GWD-GSSA summarised his vision for the two-year duration to “putting groundwater in the media with the correct facts, the success stories of groundwater development and management.” Such facts are based on hydrogeology (and related) research and not research from skewed perspectives.

The integral message from all this is that groundwater should be afforded adequate management through proper development and protection in order to achieve the desired state of resilience. In keeping with these themes stemming from a common vision for groundwater resource sustainability, the following Theme for GWD Groundwater Conference & Exhibition 2021 is proposed;

GROUNDWATER
RESILIENCE & VISIBILITY

RESEARCH. INNOVATE. DEVELOP. MANAGE. PROTECT.

Research and Development through Innovation must be the new narrative that shapes the developmental trajectory and future landscape of groundwater in South Africa and the world.  A paradigm shift is needed by building a value chain towards demonstration and piloting to create impact by using groundwater as a tool for transformation.

On the other hand, resilience of groundwater to climate change, drought, anthropogenic activities, global pandemics, etc. can be achieved if all levels of governance can co-operate in ensuring integrated management of the resource and related information, proper development procedures, monitoring and protection; with the main focus on local municipalities. Moreover, groundwater-related policy and governance decisions should be informed by scientific research outcomes. This will promote the development of sound strategies from a groundwater perspective; and thus resulting in groundwater visibility. Hence, this all-encompassing theme is proposed.

We look forward to start sharing more information about this Conference.
GWD Conference Chair: Mr Kwazi Majola

Please note that commercially available GWD Professional Members' contact details are accessible via the PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY