JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has issued a call to local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition. This initiative was highlighted during a recent District Eskom Expo at the Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
According to South African Government News Agency, the SAYWP competition is a crucial element of its educational efforts aimed at raising awareness among students about water resource management. The program addresses topics such as water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health, and the identification of invasive species. Targeting students in grades 9 through 11, the competition seeks innovative ideas and projects that address water and sanitation challenges in their communities.
The SAYWP competition progresses from provincial levels to a national stage, eventually leading to an international event in Stockholm, Sweden. Mphothulo Eulicia, from the DWS's Gauteng regional office, emphasized that participation in SAYWP could empower youths to lead future initiatives in water resource management. She noted that the competition encourages creativity and innovation, nurturing problem solvers who can contribute to sustainable water solutions for South Africa.
During the expo, DWS aimed to mobilize schools for the 2025 adjudications, urging early preparation. Out of the 11 schools participating at the event, only five were recognized for the 2025 SAYWP, highlighting the competitive nature of the event and the importance of thorough project planning. Eulicia also pointed out that involvement in the SAYWP can be transformative for students, offering them significant prizes such as bursaries, laptops, trophies, and cash awards that could influence their future educational and career opportunities.
A recent example of success in the competition was a Grade 10 student from Greenside High School in Johannesburg, who won the top prize at the provincial level this year. His project on water and sanitation management earned him R6,000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary. Following close behind, Good Hope Secondary School and Greenside Secondary School received the second and third places, respectively, for their awareness projects, garnering substantial cash prizes and trophies.
Schools interested in participating in future SAYWP events can find more information on the DWS website or contact Reshoketswe Malepe directly.