Picture: Some of five North West learners awarded with tertiary bursaries/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 October 2026 – Five high school learners were awarded bursaries by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) through its Learning Academy, following their participation at the Water and Sanitation Education and Awareness Programme (WSEP) competitions held on 27 September – 1 October 2026 in Benoni, Gauteng. WSEP is a school-based initiative by the DWS designed to build water literacy, encourage resource conservation, and promote careers in the water sector.
The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said through this initiative, learners are also motivated to become young water ambassadors, sharing key messages on water conservation, responsible water use, river and dam protection and the importance of good sanitation practices within their schools, homes, and communities. Mavasa said high school learners from North West participated in Aqua Enduro category, which targets Grade 10 and 11 learners, demonstrating their innovation to solve water and sanitation challenges in their communities.
She further said they have also participated in Public Speaking category which aims to build public-speaking skills and awareness of water and sanitation issues. Mavasa said under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in South Africa”, school learners from different provinces converged at the National Adjudications to participate and demonstrate their talent, knowledge and dedication to water and sanitation in different categories of the Programme.
“Two Public Speaking participants, Laone Mochwening from Tigerkloof Combined School and Palesa Mofokeng from Molebatsi Secondary School, received bursaries to study at any tertiary institution of their choice within the country.
“Aqua Enduro participants, Kaone Moeng from Obusitse Intermediate School, Koki Orateng from Tigerkloof Combined School and Thatoyaone Mmusi from Z.M Seatlholo Secondary School also received bursaries. Moreover, Thatoyaone Mmusi was awarded a fully licensed laptop for being one of the 23 exceptional Aqua Enduro participants,” she said.
Mavasa further said other North West participants at the WSEP national adjudications are Anesu Kweetsane – Milner High School, Neo Nteo – Stilfontein Hoerskool, Boikhutso Dikole – Pinagare High School, Zandile Mabuza -Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School, Laone Mochweneng and Oarabile Mooketsi – Tigerkloof Combined School. She added that Molebogeng Mogola – ZM Seatlholo Secondary School also took part.
“Concluding the WSEP weeklong National Adjudications, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon David Mahlobo awarded deserving learners with 54 tertiary bursaries to pursue careers in the water and sanitation sector, cash prizes, laptops and certificates. Mahlobo said investing in young people is a response to a call on their own survival as a nation, the work done here today, they are planting a seed.
“We are not trying to produce workers, but we are trying to produce leaders. We call on young people to consider careers in the water and sanitation sector.
“With the country facing climate change, one drop of water is required to produce more and the youth must be able to bring innovations through science and technology. We would like to congratulate these learners and express strong support in improving their full potential,” he said.
One of the partners, mentioned the commitment they made through the School Adoption Initiative earlier this year when they adopted Ntsweletsoku Primary School located in Lehurutshe, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. The school learners and educators were able to be provided with an improved clean and safe drinking water.
