Our News

Congratulations to the elected 2020/21 GWD Executive Committee: Mr Fanus Fourie –National Chairperson; Ms Nicolette Vermaak – National Vice-Chair; Mr Yazeed van Wyk – Nat

FLTR: Isak Venter (1978-1981), Monté van Schalkwyk (1979-2003), Chris Smit (1982-1984), Mampho Maoyi (2020-present), Kai Witthüser (2004-2008), Roger Diamond (2016-present), Matthys Dippenaar (2007-present), Louis van Rooy (1985-present), Prof Tawane Kupe (vice chancellor and principal), Prof Adam Bumby (head of department), Yazeed van Wyk (2011-2013)

Thank you to all of you that made 2019 such a memorable groundwater year! Our Annual Report is 'packed' with feedback of all the news shared & events and sessions you participated in. Let us build on this momentum in 2020...and we do look forward to see what a new Exco will bring to the table!

South Africa is a water stressed country, faced with an increasing need to safeguard the available water resources and channels. Water security has become a major issue on the International agenda, therefore, water security in relation to water resources and their management in Southern Africa should be well understood. Groundwater plays a major role in addressing the water demands. It is with this regard that the Ground Water Division themed their 16th Ground Water Division Conference as “Demand, Availability and Surety” within the broader theme of Groundwater “The Sustainability Issue”.

WHAT DO GROUNDWATER SCIENTISTS ACTUALLY DO? Opinion piece by Dr Matthys Dippenaar. Following the 16th conference of the Ground Water Division held in Port Elizabeth 21-23 October 2020, I’ve had some thoughts on this. I remember learning in high school about all the natural cycles. The water cycle was always a favourite as it made everything seem so simple, interrelated and uncomplicated. Why is that, I now wonder 20 years after entering university as a first-year student?