South Africa rich in local water experts - AfriForum
3 March 2015
The civil rights organisation AfriForum submitted 54 CVs to the Department of Water and Sanitation in Pretoria today, saying that South Africa is rich in qualified and experienced water engineers and specialists. The campaign followed after the Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Nomvula Mokonyane, had appointed 35 foreign engineers to address water-related issues in South Africa.
‘The looming water crisis in the country is purely due to politics. Within a week we have received 54 CVs of capable South African water engineers and water specialists who want to work in the country and help solve the water crisis. It is unfortunately clear that political influence prevents the country from thriving in water quality, and supply and demand management, said Julius Kleynhans, AfriForum's Head of Environmental Affairs.
‘Our water resource facilities are deteriorating due to the incompetence of current water management, procurement policies and regulation. We need to make use of our own specialists who know our systems. Some of the candidates whose CVs we submitted have more than 30 years of experience and extensive publication records. They must be the mentors and leaders of young local engineers. Water is such a critical resource and we need to manage it responsibly, taking natural capital into account,' Kleynhans added.
‘The minister condemned the presence of foreigners in SA's business community earlier this year via the social media, now she is taking the lead in creating opportunities for the international community to take the jobs from our own qualified professionals in an industry that needs to be managed and run sustainably,' said Kleynhans.
***
The DWS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. It is the intention of the Department to promote representivity in the Public Service through the filling of this position and the candidature of persons whose transfer/promotion/appointment will promote representivity will receive preference. An indication by candidates in this regard will expedite the processing of applications. If no suitable candidates from the under-represented groups can be identified, candidates from the represented groups will be considered -https://www.dwa.gov.za/vacancies/
***
The DWS will save millions if it employed competent staff through proactive management, ensured timeous expansion and planning, maintained infrastructure, ensured proper financial management, and thus promoted human and ecosystem health.
SMS the name of your town to 45354 to join AfriForum in its initiative to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our water resources (R1/SMS).
Statement issued by Julius Kleynhans, Head: Environmental Affairs, AfriForum, March 3 2015
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
