The University of Mpumalanga has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) and the Department of Water and Sanitation, for the development of a curriculum that will streamline water resource management. Speaking about the collaboration Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said: "We are looking forward to a long-term productive partnership. As the university we will make sure that the objectives of this partnership are achieved."
The agreement was signed at Mbombela Campus as a result of the common needs and opportunities identified by the three parties. These needs are: research, education and skills-based curriculum development for effective water management.
The curriculum development will be in the sector of workplace integration learning, partnership and collaboration (Research Centres, Experimental Research and Innovation); and Advocacy (Career Guidance and Knowledge Management).
Speaking on the collaboration and agreement, Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said: “We are looking forward to a long-term productive partnership. As the management of the university we will make sure that the objectives of this partnership are achieved.”
The agreement also commits to facilitate the process of securing UMP accreditation as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) for Water Resources Practitioner, Water Use Specialist, Water Regulation Practitioner and Water Liaison Practitioner qualifications, with the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
Besides coordinating workplace placement in the sector for the Workplace Component of the curriculum, the collaboration will also:
- Engage UMP to facilitate training on the need basis.
- The partners will also collaborate with UMP to support Education and Training.
- They will develop science to support policy and management plans related to water resources, their structure and processes, through dedicated collaborative research projects; and
- Collaboratively support in the monitoring of laboratory-based water resource experiments to validate existing knowledge and water resources management.
Viable Partnership
Chief Executive Officer at Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) Dr Thomas Gyedu-Ababio said the IUCMA as a water management institution, which provides knowledge and skills-based services, their aim is to impart knowledge to the younger generation.
“When the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) was established, I did not waste time to seek opportunities that will enhance water resource management skills and knowledge. At the time Professor Moses Mbewe was also looking for opportunities to enlarge his faculty. When we met to discuss issues of collaboration in the water resources sector, we understood each other from the word go."
Dr Gyedu-Ababio further added that IUCMA has also acquired additional skills from Dr Jennifer Molwantwa and Dr Tendai Sawunyama who continuously support education and research. And from the University of Mpumalanga, Professor Mbewe also roped in Dr Gordon O’Brien. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Mayekiso supported the initiative.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) was very enthusiastic. They came around with the Capacity Development Programmes, whose champion is Ms Petunia Ramunenyiwa. The seed that was planted a few years back has now germinated into a fully-fledged concept of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a curriculum," said Dr Gyedu-Ababio.
Deputy Director General (Regulations) Department of Water and Sanitation, Mr Anil Singh explained that the skill revolution concept came in 1997.
“Today we celebrate this partnership that goes hand in hand with the skills revolution in terms of water resource management. When you understand water management resources the question is – who are the best-placed people to manage the water resource? The thinking behind it is that: the people closest to the source, who in the catchment should manage it?”
Aspirations
Singh said that as a department they value skills development. He explained their aspirations is in the areas of curriculum development.
"We are looking at short courses, degrees and in time post graduate degrees and work place intergraded learning. We are also looking at partnerships and collaborations, research centres, centres of excellence, experimental research centres and innovation, and advocacy. Advocacy is primarily important because the biggest advocates of water research and management are the users of water.
“We are very pleased to be part of this partnership. We are looking forward to long associations with IUCMA and UMP. One of my obligations is to have more members to serve under the boards. And for this you need people who understand the core business.”
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures @chrisclphoto