The University of the Western Cape (UWC) joins the global community in celebrating World Water Day on 22 March, an observance that highlights the critical importance of freshwater and the need to address the global water crisis. In recognition of this occasion, the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) has chosen to spotlight the work of Prof Timothy Dube, a trailblazer in water research and the 2024 NSTF-South32 Award winner. Prof Dube, Director of the Institute for Water Studies at UWC, is revolutionising water management through artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology, offering groundbreaking solutions for water-scarce regions.

Prof Dube was awarded the NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award for his pioneering use of machine learning and remote sensing to monitor water resources in semi-arid regions. His innovative approach enhances ecological sustainability and strengthens community resilience, particularly in Africa, where access to reliable water sources remains a significant challenge. His research focuses on non-perennial rivers (N-PRs), which make up two-thirds of sub-Saharan Africa’s waterways but have been largely overlooked in scientific studies. By applying advanced AI models and satellite data, his team can now estimate water availability with 85% accuracy, providing a vital tool for decision-makers in water management, agriculture, and conservation.

Prof Dube recalled a field trip during his undergraduate studies where he saw the impact water scarcity had on a community. "Witnessing the struggles people faced due to limited access to clean water profoundly impacted me. It highlighted the critical importance of water in every aspect of life and would define my career going forward." Today, he is at the forefront of global initiatives to advance satellite-based water monitoring, serving as a lead investigator in projects funded by the European Union (EU), European Space Agency (ESA), and Water Research Commission (WRC).

Beyond his research, he is committed to training the next generation of water scientists. He has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students and authored over 100 international publications with more than 1,100 citations. He believes integrating AI and machine learning into hydrology presents exciting opportunities to improve predictive capabilities and optimise water management strategies. Winning the NSTF-WRC Award, known as the ‘Science Oscars of South Africa’, underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling environmental challenges.

"Our goal is to provide decision-makers with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible," he concluded. "By harnessing new-generation satellite data, we are addressing pressing water challenges and promoting sustainable resource management for future generations."

What is World Water Day?

World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance – held on 22 March – focusing on the importance of freshwater, coordinated by UN-Water and led by one or more UN-Water Members and Partners with a related mandate.

The theme of World Water Day 2025 is ‘Glacier Preservation’.

Glaciers are critical to life – their meltwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production and healthy ecosystems.

Rapidly melting glaciers are causing uncertainty to water flows, with profound impacts on people and the planet.

Global reductions in carbon emissions and local strategies to adapt to shrinking glaciers are essential.

This World Water Day, we must work together to put glacier preservation at the core of our plans to tackle climate change and the global water crisis.