Ever since its first event in South Africa, during the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race, the Wavemakers United Foundation kept a strong and meaningful connection to South Africa. Since then, South African Wavemakers have shown ambitious and inspiring water action. Now, five years after the first events, during the 2023 Ocean Race South African Wavemakers join forces with Stellenbosch University in the first ever Chapter of the Wavemakers United Foundation!
Margo Adonis, Scientific Technician at the South African Department of Water and Sanitation and Wavemaker since 2019: “After visiting the International Water Week 2019 in the Netherlands, I got to learn what Wavemakers does and realized our passions are the same. I received their tools to organize water labs and guest-lectures about water and science. Mostly to vulnerable children. Since I started, I reached 1086 schools. My dream is to make real impact and to change the next generation’s perspective on water. “
As a legacy of the UN2023 Gamechanger Challenge, local South African initiatives for water are connected to private sector, government and knowledge institutions to create water awareness and innovations. The South African Chapter was launched during the Wavemakers Masterclass & Matchmaking Event at the Ocean Race Sailor’s Terrace, February 21st, 2023. The event, where the five finalists of the UN2023 Gamechanger Challenge were announced, focused on creating partnerships between students and local organizations that aim to accelerate sustainable water actions. The Chapter is supported by the South African Youth Parliament for Water, World Merit South Africa, Stellenbosch University, and many other organizations who will submit their common commitment to the UN Water Action Agenda.
Stellenbosch University Water Institute will collaborate with Wavemakers United in the context of EU funded the establishment and upscale of Platform for Vocational Excellence in Southern Africa. PoVE Water Scale-up is a joint initiative of 8 VET schools, 7 Water industry professionals, 4 academic partners and 4 support partners in Europe and beyond to educate our VET students to become agile, digitally skilled, and sustainable oriented water sector professionals that our future desperately needs.
The Wavemakers United Foundation and Stellenbosch University are proud of the South African Wavemakers and supports all partners in their mission. Together we can create local impact, develop new innovations, and showcase successful solutions on a global stage.
