The inaugural cohort symposium of the SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (SGSP-IWRM) was successfully held, drawing more than 100 participants from various Southern African countries. The event, held from 11–12 November 2025, was hosted by SASSCAL in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the German International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC).
The symposium marks an important milestone for the programme, which began in 2022 as SASSCAL’s first Centre of Excellence. It provided a platform for the inaugural group of PhD students to present their research, reflect on their progress, and discuss how their work can help address pressing water challenges in the region.
Participants included PhD candidates, university academics, water specialists, government representatives, and research organisations, all focused on improving water management in the face of climate change, increasing demand, and growing population pressures.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Verena Hebbecker, Germany’s Alternate Board Member at SASSCAL, congratulated the students for completing the first three years of the programme. “You have developed new skills, earned new academic credentials, and contributed meaningfully to scientific research,” she said. “Through your work, we have also strengthened the partnership between Southern Africa and Germany, in both purpose and spirit.”
Representing the SASSCAL Governing Board Chairperson, Mr. John Lukonde Chongo, SASSCAL Alternate Board Member for Zambia, highlighted the importance of water security for the region. “Water is the lifeblood of Southern Africa,” he said. “Our region faces aridity, climate variability, and growing socio-economic pressures. Achieving water security is one of the most urgent challenges on the continent.” He added that SASSCAL’s graduate programme in Integrated Water Resources Management is helping develop the next generation of water experts—professionals who can provide scientific, practical, and innovative solutions to these growing challenges.
SASSCAL Executive Director, Prof. Nelago Indongo, described the symposium as a celebration of academic excellence and a reflection of the programme’s progress. “This gathering is special because it brings together the first cohort of PhD students who have completed an intensive and impactful programme,” she said. “Their research will support better water management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in our region.”
Prof. Indongo reminded attendees that the SGSP-IWRM was established to respond to the region’s need for highly trained water professionals. A total of 13 PhD candidates from SASSCAL member countries were enrolled. She also expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with ICWRGC, which supports teaching, research supervision, and the compulsory student mobility programme to Germany.
The event has drawn wide participation, including representatives from government ministries, academic institutions, SASSCAL leadership, scientific committees, and water sector experts. Among them are Mr. John Lukonde Chongo; Dr. Verena Hebbecker; SASSCAL Executive Director Prof. Nelago Indongo; Acting Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ms. Pauline Mufeti; members of the SGSP-IWRM Academic, Scientific and Advisory Committees; and SASSCAL’s Director of Science, Technology and Human Capacity Development, Dr. Budzanani Tacheba.
During the symposium, the new PhD graduates highlighted how their research can contribute to policy development, planning, and sustainable water management across Southern Africa.
