The Department of Water and Sanitation's (DWS) spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says that the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted that a lot of work still needs to be done in order to improve the livelihoods of South Africans.
"Topping the list is to provide the most basic human need which is water." said Ratau.
Thus the department has called on young South Africans who have just finished matric or those entering universities to consider water related studies.
For many years the DWS has offered bursaries and internships to students who have taken an interest in studying in the sciences and engineering disciplines through its Learning Academy.
Ratau says that these bursary and internship opportunities aim to bridge the critical skills gaps within the water sector so that sustainable water supply in South Africa may be enhanced.
They cover full tuition fees, accommodation and food costs, books and stationery allowances are provided as well as a monthly stipend, says Ratau.
The need for young people in this sector exists because Ratau says:
The water and sanitation sector is in dire need of new skills with innovative ideas to help drive and improve service delivery imperatives.
The following are some of the disciplines which are found in the water sector:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Chemistry
- Hydrology
- environmental management
- Microbiology
Ratau said that the careers which exist within these disciplines are varied and many careers within the water sector remained unexplored. This presents the perfect opportunity for young people to explore these careers.
While the Department offers bursaries to students they also then provide employment contracts which allows the beneficiaries of these bursaries to get the relevant workplace exposure and experience until they are ready to register as professionals.
Those students who are interested and require more information can contact the DWS spokesperson Sputnik Ratau on 082 874 2942.
If students would like to apply in the 2022 application process, which will be advertised between May and August, they can visit the Department of Water and Sanitation's website: https://www.dws.gov.za/
#WaterCareers| The Department is calling on 2020 matriculants and prospective 2021 first year students to consider water related studies to help enrich the water and sanitation sector with a new pool of young skills.
See statement for more 👇🏽👇🏽@LindiweSisuluSA pic.twitter.com/VVimes8CBk
— Water&SanitationRSA (@DWS_RSA) January 22, 2021
