Water Wheel Sept/Oct 2024: Water Personality

Abstract

The project took a decade to complete. It resulted in a tool to substantially improve water management in South Africa and an example to inspire a young generation of researchers. Dr Samkelisiwe Hlophe-Ginindza, Assistant Research Manager for the Water Research Commission (WRC), which funded the project, says his journey should inspire South Africa’s future problem solvers. According to du Plessis, the first token of advice he can offer them is to train themselves well in the basic science of their choice, in the direction they love and that excites them. Secondly, they should apply their knowledge to practical problems that will improve other people’s lives. His entire career has been a case in point. It started at an extraordinary time for water management in South Africa. A young researcher steps into water management Despite the country’s social and political turmoil and international isolation, the sixties saw extraordinary economic growth fuelled by gold, wetting the state’s appetite for mega water infrastructure projects, including multi-purpose schemes and dams.

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