Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from July 22 to 24, 2026, the conference will bring together delegates from across the water sector for its flagship WISA 2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition, under the theme “Rethinking Amanzi – Securing Our Future”.
Image: Bhekikhaya Mabaso / Independent Newspapers
At a time when water infrastructure, service delivery, and long-term water security remain high on South Africa's national agenda, the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) will bring together more than 2,000 professionals for a three-day conference.
Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from July 22 to 24, 2026, the conference will bring together delegates from across the water sector for its flagship WISA 2026 Biennial Conference & Exhibition, under the theme “Rethinking Amanzi – Securing Our Future”.
This year’s conference comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, launched several water programmes and announced new water infrastructure commitments.
Ramaphosa has pledged R156 billion towards water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years, while warning that municipalities and officials who fail to manage water services properly could face legal consequences as the government intensifies efforts to tackle South Africa’s worsening water crisis.
Ramaphosa said the investment forms part of a broader strategy to address water insecurity and improve access to water in underserved communities.
The conference programme opens on Wednesday, July 22, with a welcome from Ian Palmer, chairperson of the WISA Organising Committee, followed by an address from Dr Lester Goldman, WISA Chief Executive Officer, and the official opening by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina.
Deputy ministers David Mahlobo and Dr Jack Bloom will also attend the conference, alongside Dr Sean Philips, director-general of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
A keynote address by the President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), Refilwe Buthelezi (Pr. Eng), will challenge water experts to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution in water, with a focus on rethinking governance, technology, and investment in Africa's water future.
The technical programme features more than 80 sessions across specialist streams, workshops, and high-level engagements, exploring issues including: microplastics, groundwater resilience, and managed aquifer recharge, including the Cape Flats Aquifer, climate resilience, droughts, floods and alternative water services, water infrastructure renewal ,and more.
The conference will also feature a high-level panel discussion on financing the water sector, engagements with the Department of Water and Sanitation, consultative sessions linked to the 2026 UN Water Conference, and Water Research Commission sessions focused on South Africa's water research and innovation agenda.
Goldman said: “The challenges facing South Africa's water sector cannot be addressed by any one organisation alone.
“As pressures on our water resources continue to grow, collaboration across disciplines and institutions has never been more important. WISA 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for the sector to learn from one another, showcase innovation, and identify practical ways to improve water security and service delivery.
“The expertise, innovation, and commitment needed to improve South Africa's water future already exist within the sector. Our collective challenge is to accelerate implementation and ensure that good ideas translate into meaningful impact.”
Palmer said: “We live in challenging times; Globally, countries are realigning, and international cooperation organisations are losing legitimacy, all in the face of climate instability.
“Nationally, we are confronted with economic, social, and political uncertainty, with this influencing the capability of key public institutions in the water sector, including local government.
“We, as water sector professionals, need to act, and getting together to present new ideas and hold discussions on the challenges our sector faces is necessary.
“The WISA 2026 conference provides an important platform for these engagements; this is a flagship event for the Southern African water community, and for international water professionals with an interest in the region,” he said.