WISA DISTINGUISHED HONOURS AND AWARDS 2008
Dr G.G. Cillie Floating Trophy
Umgeni Award
The Wilson Award
The Piet Vosloo Award
The Foundation for Water Research (UK) Award
Awards presented by the Water Environment Federation
The Bedell Award available to WEF members in South Africa
The Burke Award
Anglo Coal Award
Mine Water
EXSA Best Exhibition Stands
Best Exhibition Stands
Aqua Vita Est Award
WISA SAIWA Award
SAIWA Pressley & Hughes Award
Potable Water Award
WISA Best Young Water Professional’s Paper
WISA Chief Executive Award

Dr G.G. Cillie Floating Trophy

Click here to read more about the award description

Acknowledges high level research in the field of anaerobic and sludge management processes and technologies.

Awarded by the WISA - Anaerobic and Sludge Processes Division
to the student who made the most significant contribution to the understanding and application of anaerobic and sludge handling processes and technologies in the last two years

Winners

1989  PALNS Samsoon
1990  Dr JR Messenger
1991  Dr WR Ross
1992  KH Riedel
1993  Dr RE Moosbrugger
1994  Dr M van der Merwe
1995  Dr AJ Pitt
1996  Not awarded
1997  Not awarded
1998  Dr ME Musvoto
2002  Ns Joanne Bell (né Sacks)
2004  Pierre van Rensburg
2006  Third place
Dr KM Foxon for her research input and related publications on "The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR): An appropriate technology for on-site sanitation."

Second place
Dr NE Ristow for his thesis and related publications on "Hydrolysis of primary sludge under methanogenic, acidogenic and sulphidogenic conditions"

Winner
Dr SW Sötemann

for his thesis and related publications on
"Modelling material mass balances over wastewater treatment plants"

2008 Second runner-up
J Poinapen for his thesis and related publications on "Hydrolysis of primary sludge under methanogenic, acidogenic and sulphidogenic conditions“

First runner-up
L. Mpenyana for her research input and related publications on “Removal of Ammonia from Landfill Leachate in a Two-Stage Biofiltration Process“

Winner
RMC Albertus (Environmental Science & Technology - Sasol Technology) for his research and related publications on “Anaerobic Treatment of Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) Coal-To-Liquids CTL) Reaction Water Using The Paques Biopaq® IC Internal Circulating Anaerobic Technology"

2010 Winner
Theo Harding from: The University of Cape Town for his MSc dissertation on “Mass balances and modelling of COD, N, P, C and metals in anaerobic digestion systems"

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Umgeni Award

Awarded annually to author(s) of a paper which makes a noteworthy contribution to water science or engineering.

Winners

1988  J Slim and R Wakefield
1989  WR Ross, JP Barnard, J Le Roux & HA de Villiers
1990  R Smith and H Vasiloudis
1991  MC Wentzel, GA Ekama & GvR Marais
1992  GA Ekama
1994  Not awarded
1995  Not awarded
1996  Not awarded
1997  Not awarded
1998  Not awarded
2002  Dr JP Maree, Mrs H Greben & Ms M de Beer

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The Wilson Award

Acknowledgement of the combined competence and initiative of the owner and works manager of a wastewater treatment works, with a total design capacity of up to 25 000kl/day average dry weather flow.

Administered by the WISA Nutrient Management Division

Winners

1976  P Sinclair.Umhlanga Wastewater Treatment Works, Borough of Umhlanga.
1978  K Gielink. Midmar Sewage Purification Works, Natal Parks Board.
1980  K Kenmuir. Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works, Milnerton Municipality.
1983  K Holm. Cape Receive Water Reclamation Works, Port Elizabeth Municipality.
1985  J Hornby. Umhlanga Wastewater Treatment Works, Borough of Umhlanga.
1987  K Gielink. Midmar Sewage Purification Works, Natal Parks Board
1989  AW Austin. Boskrans Sewage Purification Works, Middelburg Municipality.
1991  J Crawford. Sewage Treatment Works, King William's Town.
1993  R Field. Driftsands Water Reclamation Works, Port Elizabeth City Council.
1994  Not awarded
1995  Not awarded
1996  R Field. Driftsands Water Reclamation Works, Port Elizabeth City Council
1997  Not awarded
1998  J.H. Hendricksz. JP Marais Works, Benoni
2002  Mr RE Field & Mr A Moncotywa, Driftsands Water Reclamation Works, Nelson Mandela Municipality
2004  Johannesburg Water for the Driefontein Waste water Treatment Works:  Managed by Ms Ronel Viljoen
2005  Not awarded
2006
4th: Magaliesburg Water Care Works, Mogale City
3rd: Sandspruit Wastewater Treatment Works, Tshwane, managed by WASTAT cc.
2nd: Kleinzee Wastewater Treatment Works, Namaqualand Mines
1st: Drakenstein Municipality for the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works
Managed by: Cedric Morkel
2008
Second runner up: Wildevoёlvlei WWTW City of Cape Town managed by Shafiek Darries and Leeuwkuil WWTW Emfuleni Local Municipality (Metsi-a-Lekoa) managed by Piet Bouwer
First runner up: Gordon’s Bay WWTW City of Cape Town managed by Jacques Basson
George Municipality for the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works Managed by: Johan Scheepers
2010 Best Works
3rd Place: Sun City WWTW Works Manager: Derek Turner
2nd Place: Outeniqua WWTW Works Manager: Johan Scheepers
Winner Best Works: Wesfleur WWTW Works Manager: Jacques Basson
2010 Most Improved Works
3rd Place: AnglogoldAshanti Vaal River Operations 1 Shaft Works Manager: Andrew Letebelle
2nd Place: Butterworth WWTW Works Manager: Victor Ntanta
2010 Winner: Most Improved Works: Gwaing WWTW Works Manager: Jurie Jumat
2010 Certificates of Excellence
Frasers WWTW, Ballito Kleinkranz WWTW, George Mossel Bay Regional WWTW Paarl Valley WWTW, Drakenstein Riversdale WWTW, Hessequa WWTW

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The Piet Vosloo Award

Awarded on an 'ad hoc' basis, not more frequently than once every two years for a completed project involving innovative technology in the water field representing a notable technical advancement.

Winners

1998  GA Ekama
2002  A Gisclon & S McCarley, Vivendi Water Systems
2004  Lilliput Treatment Technologies International (cc) for the Mndini School water and sanitation project - Mark Ross
2006  Prof Peter D. Rose, Rhodes University: For his research and implementation of: "The use of sewage sludge for the biological removal of sulphates from acid mine water"
2008 Sasol Technology R&D and OPI for the project: Use of Ion Exchange Regeneration Brine for Chlorine and Caustic Production. A Sasol Technology Effort to Reduce Salty Effluents Discharge
2010 Corné Pretorius, Samuel Mahlaba, Yolandi Maree & Ronel Augustyn From: Sasol Technology R&D (Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Engineering) for work on: “Co-disposal of salts with fly ash using paste technology”

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The Foundation for Water Research (UK) Award

Awarded at the WISA Biennial Conference for the best paper by a young Southern African.

Winners

1998  MJ Sneyders
2000  R Moodley
2002  Xolisa Melamane
2004  Michele Clements
2006  Ms Z Tyafa
for "Safe drinking water still a dream in rural areas of South Africa. Case study: The Eastern Cape Province". Co-authors: MNB Momba, N Makala, BM Brouckaert and CL Obi

2008 J Poinapen
for his paper on “Development of a steady state model for biological sulphate reduction with primary sewage sludge as substrate”. Co-authors: G Ekama and M Wentzel

2010 Mr Vincent Ojijo
from: Tshwane University of Technology For the paper entitled: “A comparative study of the performance of South African coal fly ash and carbonaceous adsorbents in the removal of melanoidin from wastewater”
 

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Awards presented by the Water Environment Federation

During 1968 the then Institute of Water Pollution Control (SA Branch) was admitted as a Member Association of the Water Pollution Control Federation (USA), the forerunner of the Water Environment Federation. In terms of this arrangement WEF members in South Africa are able to participate in the Award programme.

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The Bedell Award available to WEF members in South Africa

Awarded to individuals for organisational leadership, membership activity and stimulation of technical functions.

Winners

1972  DW Osborn
1975  EG White
1978  J Halliday
1981  JR Gaillard
1984  Mrs SN van Biljon
1987  Mrs. ES Blanchard
1990  PJ Pybus
1993  DHH Skinner
1996  No nomination
2002  No nomination

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The Burke Award

Awarded to organisations. for an excellently documented safety programme and record. The award is to encourage an active and effective safety program in municipal and industrial wastewater facilities.

Winners

1988  The Town Council of Benoni and The City Council of Germiston
1992  The Port Elizabeth City Council
1996  No nomination
2002  No nomination

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The Hatfield Award

Presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism.

Winners

1973  SHV van Blerk
1979  C Davis
1979  HA Nicholls
1979  AR Pitman
1982  BN Kirk
1985  PB King
1988  GJR Engels
1991  NR Fortman
1994  No nomination
1997  No nomination
2002  No nomination

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Anglo Coal Award

Best poster presentation at the biennial WISA conference.

Winners

2002:  S Mhlongo (eThekwini Municipality)

2008: DT Ilunga, JE van Zyl and M Dundu
The behaviour of longitudinal cracks in pipes under pressure Dept of Civil Engineering Science, Univ. of Jhb.

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Mine Water award

Best Mine Water Management related paper presented by a bona fide registered student.

2006  HS van Wageningen (University of Cape Town)
for: "Development of kinetic model for biological sulphate reduction with primary sewage sludge as substrate" Co-authors: SW Sötemann, NE Ristow, MC Wentzel and GA Ekama

2008 Allen Matimba (University of Cape Town)
for: “Preliminary Investigation of Biological Sulphate Reduction Using a High Strength Organic Water as a Carbon Source in a Complete Mixed Reactor” Co-authors: J Poinapen and GA Ekama

EXSA Best Exhibition Stand

2002

Winners

Gold:  Umgeni Water
Silver  Merck Chemicals & Laboratory Supplies
Bronze  East Rand Valve & Engineering Supplies

Medium Stands at 2002.

Winners

Bronze:  DWAF, Dow Sentrchem & ABB Metering

2006 - System Stands

2nd Runner up: MacSteel Tube & Pipe
1st Runner up: Ethekwini Water & Sanitation
Winner: Buckman Laboratories

2006 - Custom Stands

2nd Runner up: MERCK Chemicals
1st Runner up: Saint Gobain Pipelines
Winner: NCP Chlorchem

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Best Exhibition Stands Award

Category: System Stand

Winners

2nd Place: Jeffares Green Parkman
1st Place: GE Water and Process Technology

Best Exhibition Stand Award

Winners

3rd Place: Biwater
2nd Place: Umgeni Water
1st Place: TCTA

2008 Winners - Best Designer Stand

Highly recommended: BKS
3rd Place: ERWAT
2nd Place: Water Research Commission
1st Place: NCP

2008 Winners - Best Medium Stand

3rd Place: Sud Chemie
2nd Place: Tecroveer
1st Place: SSI

2008 Winners - Best Small Stand

3rd Place: Golder Associates
2nd Place: Knowledge Base
1st Place: Rare Water

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Aqua Vita Est Award

To recognise those who have materially contributed to the success and esteem of WISA

"Acknowledging the engine room of WISA"

WISA as an organisation depends heavily on the active involvement of its members to function - without volunteer support WISA as an organisation cannot exist.  As is the nature of things some members involve themselves more in volunteer activities than others, in other words contributing to a greater extent to the success, or otherwise, of WISA.  The Board of WISA has approved that a new award be instituted to recognise those members, and non-members, who have materially contributed to the success and esteem of WISA.  This award will also be available to Branches and Divisions.  It was thought fitting to name the award after the inscription on the WISA heraldic shield, namely Aqua Vita Est, meaning "Water is Life".

The concept of the "Aqua Vita Est Award" is not meant to replace the recognition bestowed upon a member through Honorary Membership, nor designed to exclude the recipient from Honorary Membership.  This recognition is meant to acknowledge and honour an action, or general conduct of a member, or structural section (Branch or Division) of WISA that tangibly contributes to the esteem in which WISA is held, or contributes to the well being or success of WISA. 

It is further not the intention that this recognition should lead to rivalry that could be detrimental to the harmonious functioning of WISA.  As such it is envisaged that there should not be strictly delineated measures for recognition which can then be striven for - but rather that there should be a myriad of ways in which services to WISA can be rendered.  Perhaps those of the often "unsung heroes" like the Branch or Division Secretary or Treasurer who has served that entity for untold years diligently and unrecognised by those outside that particular committee.  In fact, it should be a challenge that is taken seriously to recognise these people who in fact are the mainstay of WISA in many respects, even though they may never achieve, or perhaps desire to achieve, a Chairpersonship of a Branch or Division.  It could also be applied for on behalf of a group effort where a number of members worked towards a common goal that was to the benefit of WISA.

In the same manner - while there are statistical measurements that can be applied such as growth in membership, etc. - the "award" for the Branch or Division should not be limited to just these "easier" measurements.  In their particular case innovative approaches that are, or can be copied with success by others, can also be a measure.  These can include the creation of sub-Branches in nearby less-developed areas, or services such as information campaigns regarding water related health issues.  Advocacy to the benefit of solving contentious issues in their vicinity, or the involvement of their local political structures in recognising the importance of the water professionals can also be measures of successes.

It is trusted that such a tangible manner of recognition for excellence will not only inspire the often neglected "backroom" members but will also show that WISA recognises the fact that its success is dependent on members such as these, and may well encourage others to follow in their footsteps - to the ultimate benefit of WISA.  In the same manner, recognising the outstanding efforts of Branches and Divisions not only recognises the fact that the structure of WISA ultimately is driven by groups of people acting for the common good.  It will also inspire these structures to re-visit and re-think the manner in which they serve their members and the communities within which they function.  The water sector is ultimately concerned with the consumer of their end product - be that the tap user or the angler along a riverbank.  The world and the environment within which WISA has to function is constantly changing and evolving - to maintain its eminence and position WISA needs to be sensitive to this, and must innovate to stay relevant.  By instituting these awards WISA shows that it is innovative enough to respond to changed circumstances and will remain in the vanguard of service organisations.

There will be no limit on the number of awards bestowed each year, not will there be an injunction to bestow an award every year.  This will hold true for members, as well as Branches and Divisions.  For instance, during a conference year one of the committees involved may deliver dedicated work of such quality that all the members of that particular committee may qualify. By the same token there might not be any viable candidate during a particular year, and rather than demean the award by bestowing it to someone not worthy of it, no award will then be awarded that year. 

The award for individuals will be a cheque to the value of R2000 plus a small permanent trophy suitable for a desk.  For a Branch or Division it will take the form of a larger permanent trophy, and a framed plaque.

The President will do the presentations of the Aqua Vita Est Award to individuals as well as Branches and Divisions during his annual "round robin" visit to all the Branches while the winners present at the Biennial Conference will also be honoured during the banquet of the first conference following their award.  In the case of Branches and Divisions the THEN Chairperson of that particular Branch or Division will be presenting the Branch or Division, as it is an institutional win, and not a personal win.

Adjudication will be done by a special panel appointed by the Board through the CE in the case of individuals, and by the Council in the case of Branches and Divisions.

Winners

2004  Mr Danie Klopper, Ms Susan van Biljon, Mr Sakkie v.d. Westhuizen

2006 
Mr Willie Lötz
for: Transforming the management and administrative structures of WISA to the highest professional level
Mr Dave Nozaic
for: His exceptional service and dedication to WISA sustained over a period of 35 years. Truly one of the industry's "unsung heroes"

2008
Ms Stephanie Walsh
for: Her loyal and dedicated service and commitment to the WISA Kwa-Zulu Natal Branch
Mr Maxwell Sirenya
for: His exceptional service and dedication in establishing the new Branch in the Eastern Cape and his unfailing commitment to WISA
Dr Ralph Heath
for: His exceptional and dedicated service to WISA in arranging the WISA 2000 and 2008 Biennial Conferences and serving as WISA President 2001/2002

2010
Tony Bowers
for: Outstanding services rendered to WISA in particular his significant contribution to the development of the WISA Policies and Procedures and Leadership related to Governance
Noeline Basson
for: Outstanding services rendered to WISA in particular her lifelong dedication to the Free State Branch as well as the management of the Senior Fellows Portfolio
Koos Wilken
for: Outstanding services rendered to WISA in particular the sustained financial management of WISA and dedication to Management and Institutional Affairs

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WISA SAIWA Award

Biennial trophy for outstanding contribution in Industrial Water Technology

Administered by the SA Industrial Water Division of WISA

2006

Second runner-up
Ralph Richards (Improchem)
for the:
Joint initiative between Chevron and Improchem in upgrading treated sewage to utility water standards

Runner up
Jan Theron and Hennie Du Preez (Mittal Steel, Vanderbijlpark)
for the:
Main treatment plant project aimed at zero effluent discharge

Winner: WISA SAIWA Award 2006
Dr. Jannie Maree and his team
from the Water Treatment and Remediation Technology Group, CSIR for the work on:
"Treating mine effluents with limestone instead of lime"

2008

Second runner-up
Sasol Technology for the project: Upgrading of the Sasol One Bioworks at Sasolburg

First runner-up
Prof TE Cloete for his extensive contribution to Industrial Microbiology

Winner: WISA SAIWA Award 2008
Sasol Technology, Sasolburg “From the use of ion exchange regeneration brine for chlorine and caustic production.“ A Sasol Technology Effort to Reduce Salty Effluents Discharge

2010

Winner: WISA SAIWA Award 2010
Dyllon Randall for: The Crystallization and Precipitation Research Unit - University of Cape Town for work on: “Sequential recovery of water and salts from mine effluent using Eutectic Freeze Crystallization”

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SAIWA Award for the best presentation in the Industrial Division session
Administered by the SA Industrial Water Division of WISA

2010
Mahlaste Sekhula from: Tshwane University of Technology for the paper entitled: “Recovery of Cu(II) from Synthetic Industrial Wastewater Using Maize Tassel”

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Potable Water Award

Awarded biennially to a South African water purification institution for competence and initiative

2006 Amatola Water
"The best neighbour"
Who excelled with regards to newly established partnerships and stakeholder relationships while maintaining financial sustainability and quality compliance.

2008 Faure Water Treatment Works, City of Cape Town Managed by Ansie Singels

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WISA Best Young Water Professional’s Paper

This award goes to the YWP who submitted the highest quality paper to this conference. Administered by the WISA/IWA YWP management committee.

2010: Ms Charlene Mureverwi
from: Metago Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd for the paper entitled: “The evaluation of a sustainability index for integrated urban water management in South Africa”

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WISA/IWA Southern African YWP Professional Development Award

The Award recognises companies in the water sector that make a significant contribution to the professional development of their young employees. Administered by the WISA/IWA YWP management committee.

2010: CSIR
Accepting the award for the CSIR: Dr Keith Kennedy Competence Area / Manager for Water in NRE (Natural Resources in the Environment)

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2008: Sedibeng Water
for: Achieving a 5 star rating in the Free State region and a four star rating in the North West region
Implementing a HIV / Aids program Setting an annual and five year environmental plan based on ISO 14001