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Aqua Vita Est Award

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. 

iIt 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. 

Prizes: The award for individuals will be a cheque to the value of R750 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 CEO in the case of individuals, and by the Council in the case of Branches and Divisions.