Partnerships
The Water RDI Roadmap sits within a diverse and complex water system of innovation where there are an array of institutions engaged in various aspects of water research, high end skills development and innovation deployment. The Roadmap thus serves as a high level strategic plan to give a level of direction to this rich array of activities.
Given the sector wide nature of the Roadmap, it depends on the support and alignment of a range of organisations active in the water sector for its success. There are thus various direct or indirect ways to connect with and partner with the Water Roadmap implementation process summarised below:
Roadmap development and oversight partners
The 3 core partners anchoring the development and oversight of the implementation of the Roadmap are the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Water Research Commission (WRC).
This Roadmap was initiated by DSTI who partnered with the WRC to work with sector partners to develop the plan. The WRC was connected as a strategic partner to the Roadmap given the role it plays in signalling priorities, aligning and funding the Water System of Innovation in South Africa. The Roadmap development process was concluded in late 2015.
In parallel the DSTI and DWS worked to embed and align the Roadmap to the priorities National Water Resources Strategy and National Water and Sanitation Master Plan
In 2016 the DSI placed the Water RDI Roadmap Coordination and Implementation Unit (CIU) into the WRC. The DSTI had also initiated the Water Technologies Demonstration Programme (WADER) in 2014 and commissioned the WRC to implement it. WADER focuses on supporting the technology deployment elements of the Water RDI Roadmap.
Roadmap co-funding partners
The WRC works with a range of partners to develop proposals that align to key priorities in the Roadmap and where needed arrange for the project management and implementation of these proposals using WRC mechanisms.
To date a range of partners have committed funding towards the Roadmap through this mechanism.
Please feel free to contact the WRC should you wish to collaborate on a proposal.
Partners undertaking RDI work aligned to the objectives
There are many local and international funders, innovators, research and implementation institutions that fund, facilitate and undertake work that supports the goals of the water RDI Roadmap. This broad sector alignment, where the strategies and work of various organisations, helps to realise the transition and vision the Roadmap aspires to, is key to the success of this plan. Should you wish to more specifically highlight the work your organisation is doing through roadmap reporting please get in touch with the WRC.
Be part of shaping South Africa’s future by engaging with the Water RDI Roadmap. Together, we can drive innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and create sustainable water systems for generations to come. Whether you’re in research, policy, business, or education, your contribution matters. Let’s collaborate for a water-secure South Africa and beyond!