WISA

Pundits disagree about whether 2000 was the last year of the “old” millennium, or the first year of the “new” millennium. While they may differ, 2000 was definitely a New Year for WISA. New in the sense that it was the year when the Institute became a Section 21 company, and also a new year with the changes that came about coupled to this new dispensation. One of these changes was the fact that I became the first full time occupant of the new position of Chief Executive Officer.

It is a pleasure for me to write this report as through doing this, I can relive the events and changes that made 2000 such a special year for the Institute. I will not be wasting your time elucidating all the myriad of small, though of significant impact, changes that have come about through the course of the year – some of these will in any case be alluded to in the normal flow of this report.

WISA 2000

As happens every two years, the Biennial Conference was again the highlight of our calendar. Under the able Chairmanship of Ralph Health – befittingly our next President – the venue at Sun City hosted a record total of just more than 900 participants. What struck me, as a new-comer to the conference, was the dual functionality built into such a gathering from all over South Africa, and from across our borders. While the dissemination of information through presentations and workshops was quite rightfully the main thrust of the conference, the conference also served as a “gathering of the clan”. Every break, and especially the social events, echoed to the exclamations of delight when people who haven’t seen each other since the last conference, could renew friendships and catch up on news. Ralph and his team deserves our recognition for not only arranging an event of scientific significance, but also socially worthwhile. They did not forget that when it comes to water, everyone interested in the subject is considered “family”. We cannot take leave of the conference without thanking the Honourable Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Mr. Ronnie Kasrils, who took a whole day out of his very busy schedule to honour us with his presence. His profound interest in the conference and its proceedings, his accessibility to all and sundry, and especially, his deft pitching ability when participating in Rand Water’s inter-active water preservation game is sincerely appreciated.

Rand Water was also the major sponsor of the conference and deserves a profound word of thanks from all who attended for their contribution to make the conference so memorable. The efforts of Vincent Bath, Rand Water’s Chief Executive towards making WISA’s requests for assistance bear fruit, is much appreciated and remembered.

Stander Evening

As is usual in a “conference” year, the Institute also hosted the Stander Evening in October, an event commemorating scientific excellence in memory of Dr Stander, one of the early pioneers in the water field in South Africa. The Stander Lecturer for 2000 was the outgoing Chief Executive of the Water Research Commission, Mr Piet Odendaal. The persons nominated to deliver lectures as “leading young researchers” were Dr Janine Adams of the University of Port Elizabeth, and Dr Jacques Theron, of the University of Pretoria. Especially pleasing to note that evening was the presence of a large group of young students from Technikon Northern Gauteng who attended this illustrious occasion.

Parliamentary Briefing

I had the honour to accompany our President, Pumezo Jonas, to Parliament where he gave a briefing about the Institute to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry on the 28^th of September. It was a momentous occasion as it was the first time that the Institute came to the attention of this very important committee, and he handled the opportunity with aplomb and grace. Members of the committee were extremely interested in the presentation that was done with the aid of an electronic presentation program, and the President faced a barrage of questions after his presentation. One of their main concerns was the fact that they only then learned of the existence of the Institute and the large role its plays in the water sphere in South Africa. The Chairperson of the Western Cape Branch will in future maintain liaison with this committee on behalf of the Institute.

The Hague Declaration

Another “first” was also reached when Council decided at its meeting on the 22^nd of June to support the Ministerial Declaration of The Hague on Water Security in the 21^st Century. This was the first instance that the Institute aligned itself formally with an international declaration. When formally informed of this decision by the Council of the Institute the Minister expressed his appreciation for it in writing and was especially pleased that Council lifted out the following sentiments from the Declaration: that actions should be handled “in an open, participatory and transparent manner that draws upon all major groups in society.”

Administration

All the attention of the Institute was not only directed towards high profile issues. The more mundane also received due attention. The web page of the Institute was rejuvenated, an ongoing issue, and the first Division to take full advantage of the exciting possibilities it now offers, was the Membrane Technology Division whose web space is a pleasure to visit. The confusing different documents dealing with the establishment and functioning of the Branches and Divisions were all incorporated in one document that now serves as a guideline. A CD containing a host of information, including the Stander Evening lectures, and software programmes, was also made available to all Branches and Divisions at the end of the year. This is to serve as a handy depository of reference files, the logo and shield graphics, and numerous vital documents such as the Operations Policy and application forms. This recognises the fact that many of the Divisions are now functioning entities in their own right as was attested by the fact that many of them are now hosting international conferences and workshops. This vibrant maturity is applauded, as it can only bode well for the Institute.

Branches

During the course of the year the branch office for the Eastern Cape Branch changed from East London to Port Elizabeth and it is sincerely hoped that this move will rejuvenate the Branch. As seen in the case of the visit by the President, Pumezo Jonas, to the Free State Branch, it is not always numbers that count, but the enthusiasm of the members. Despite the fact that people have to travel long distances to attend the meetings of the Free State Branch, on that particular occasion there were about 60 attendees present. Some of them from three hours travelling time away!

I was recently honoured to have had some glimpses into the earlier years of WISA (then obviously not called by this name) when talking to Dave Osborn and Eric Hall. Everything in the early years was done in the purest spirit and essence of volunteerism. It is always well to remember that volunteerism is the sustaining element of all associations, of whatever nature, worldwide. This remains true despite any changes in name or structure, or any number of paid staff working for an association. If the spirit, enthusiasm, and joy of volunteerism is replaced by the attitude of “what is in it for me”, that association may as well close its doors.

The healthy state of affairs at all the other Branches provides tangible proof that this spirit of “volunteerism” is far from dead.

Honorary Memberships

The Water Institute of Southern Africa had the opportunity to thank some of its members of long standing for the contributions that they have voluntarily made to the Institute over the course of their long association with it, by awarding them Honorary Memberships. This is a singular honour and because of its exclusivity it suitably acknowledges contributions far above and beyond the norm made by them over a large number of years. The members honoured in this manner were Mrs Susie van Biljon, Mr Eric Hall, and Mr Piet Odendaal. In his capacity as Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Minister Ronnie Kasrils was also made an honorary member of the Institute. Join us in applauding their achievement, as the honour bestowed upon them, also reflects to the credit of all the volunteers of the Institute.

Committees

The year also witnessed the creation of three separate committees to investigate various aspects that were of concern to the Board and the Council. These were a committee to revisit the issue of membership of the Institute in its widest context under the Chairpersonship of Dries Louw, Second Vice-president. Another committee under the Chairpersonship of Daniel Reinecke is examining the issue of a language policy for the Imstitute. .At the end of 2000 two of the committees were still deliberating but one had finished its appointed tasks. The Committee on Bursars, under the Chairpersonship of Heidi Snyman, delivered its findings and recommendations, substantiated by the necessary documentation, in time to allow the Institute to continue with its Bursary Program for 2001. She worked under immense pressure to allow this to happen as she bore in mind the disappointment of the applicants if they could not even be evaluated.

Bursars

Three bursars were selected in the end, two studying Watercare at Technikon Northern Gauteng, and one finishing her BTech in chemistry at Technikon Cape Town. They would not have been able to do so with financial assistance from WISA if Heidi did not take her duties as seriously as she did. For this we thank her.

The previous three bursars supported by WISA have successfully completed their studies – some are still busy with their practicals. It is not easy to place the bursars for their practical period but here Sedibeng Water has always been ready to assist them as much as is feasible in the circumstances. Sedibeng has now assisted two bursars back to back. Should any member be aware of organisations that may be able to assist us in this respect please do give us a call. The practical need not only be strictly confined to water care, nor confined to just one employer.

Membership

From the slight hiccup that there was in 1999 when membership declined by one from the previous year, 2000 saw some growth from the 1160 then, to 1215. This increase is even more heartening when it is considered that we removed about 120 members, whose mail kept being returned and could not be traced, from the database. The Institute has also launched an initiative to enlarge our student membership as we are of the opinion that the culture of networking and the dissemination of information need to be instilled in future professionals at an early age. It is for this reason as well that student membership is gratis and thus will only cost the price of a postage stamp.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions for other categories for 2001 was increased slightly and in the end were approved by Council follows:

Subscription Fees

		Rate for 2001 (VAT Inclusive)
INDIVIDUAL
	Honorary	0.00
	Retired	55.00
	Senior Fellows	210.00
	Fellows	210.00
	Members	210.00
	Associates	180.00
	Affiliates	55.00
	Students	0.00
CORPORATION
	Local Authority	420.00
	Boards & Stat. Organisations	420.00
	Education Establishment	0.00
	Company	460.00

Election for Council

During the course of the year it was also necessary to hold an election to fill five positions that would become vacant on Council in 2001. As it turned out only five valid nominations were received so no election was needed. The five new Councillors are:

Mr M L de Fontaine, Mr P Koloti, Mr K L Lubout, Mr D Reinecke, and Mr L van Wyk.

The Council for 2001/2002 thus is as follows:

President: Dr R G M Heath

Imm. Past President: Mr P M M Jonas

First Vice-President: Mr A S Louw

Second Vice-President: To be elected 15 March 2001

Elected members:

Mr W V Alexander

Dr H Kasan

Dr A Shaker

Mr M L de Fontaine

Mr P Koloti

Mr K L Lubout

Mr D Reinecke

Mr L van Wyk

Branches and Divisions:

Chairpersons of 4 Branches and 14 Divisions.

Co-opted members:

Mr M C Chibi

Mr C J Chimpelo

Mr T L Ramaema

Representative of IWA-SA National Committee

Prof W O K Grabow (Chairperson)

Representative of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

Mr. M A Muller (Director-General)

Chief Executive Officer:

Mr W P N L�tz

Treasurer:

Mr N P Walker

This was my first year at the Institute and I have to thank a number of people who assisted me with settling in and feeling welcome. I thank Danie for his patience in sharing his office for two months, and the rest of the Staff for allowing me the space and time to settle in. The two Presidents I served under, Elsie Meintjies and Pumezo Jonas, helped with sage advice and were there to slow me down whenever I wanted to err in haste. I do thank them for their support and forbearance. Most of all though, I want to thank the “water family” of the Institute - without exception all the people were kind and supporting to the utmost degree and made me feel right at home. I deem it an honour to be associated with WISA.

Willie P N L�tz

Chief Executive Officer