NEWS 9
CEO of the WRC receives prestigious Africa Water Leadership Award
Water scarcity compels water institutions to excel in innovative thinking and to display cutting edge leadership that contributes to the African continent ’ s ability to address critical water challenges . The leadership style of Dhesigen Naidoo , CEO of the Water Research Commission ( WRC ), reflects this and he is therefore the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Africa Water Leadership Award . The award ceremony was held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Mauritius on 7 December 2016 .
The Africa Water Leadership Award honours Achievers , Super Achievers and Future Business Leaders , and attracts the best of the best from Africa . Although the award is the highlight for the WRC , it is also a highlight for Africa .
Naidoo ’ s award recognises leaders who can steer their businesses through turbulent times while applying the best of business modules to manage and keep their missions afloat . The water sectors in South Africa and Africa are proud of Naidoo ’ s nomination to receive such a prestigious award .
The criteria that were considered for this nomination include the impact that Naidoo ’ s leadership has made to the lives of others within the water sector , the quality of the WRC research outputs , and their global reach and ability to contribute to social change . Naidoo receives the award for outstanding leadership , management skills , professionalism , and vision in leading his organisation to make a difference and achieve innovative results .
The WRC is one of 13 members of the Global Water Research Coalition ( GWRC ), which operates on a mandate of information sharing and collaboration to drive the water deficit down , leading to a surplus on a global scale . The GWRC is the gel leading to cohesive and inclusive solutions for the fight against global water assurance threats . Naidoo believes strongly in the expansion of cross-border partnerships : “ Phenomena like climate change have no respect for national boundaries ; in fact , 60 % of South African rivers are shared with our neighbouring countries .” This point illustrates the need for global partnerships to eradicate the global water assurance challenges . Over the past few years , the World Economic Forum ( WEF ) has included water as one of the top risks for business . Naidoo sees this as a positive step in educating nations and their respective industries on their water footprint .
The event was attended by senior business and other leaders , as well as top educational institutes from African countries . PA
BEE geyser company formed
W . E . Geysers has ceased trade as from 1 January 2017
CEO of the Water Research Commission , Dhesigen Naidoo .
“ Phenomena like climate change have no respect for national boundaries .”
Water Research Commission
Duratherm has been registered and formed as a Black Enterprise development company with the backing of Absa ’ s BEE fund , which is in line with government ’ s new requirements .
This implies that Duratherm is now the only Black-owned Level 1 geyser manufacturer in South Africa . The new company will for the time being operate from the current W . E . Geyser plant under the management of Tembakhosi Nzimande and with the support of Absa .
In time to come the company will relocate to new and larger premises and will advise clients accordingly . Etienne and Walter will remain on as directors for a minimum period of two years to assist Nzimande in this venture .
Duratherm will honour all W . E . Geyser warranties . PA
Duratherm
Some of Duratherm ’ s products . www . plumbingafrica . co . za February 2017 Volume 22 I Number 12