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The Institute for Water Studies (IWS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will be hosting researchers, academics and water management partners to share research on the current state of water security in South Africa. WISA Western Cape Branch is also a key partner for the IWS Open Day on 21 May 2025.

South Africa is a water-scarce nation listed as one of the 30th driest countries in the world. Prof Timothy Dube is the Director of the Institute of Water Studies and also a Professor of Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation at the Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC. At the IWS Open Day, he will present research with the overarching theme of remote sensing and big data for water resources management in arid environments.

Prof Dube said: “My research is centred on the application of advanced remote sensing technologies and big data analytics to address critical water resource challenges in arid and semi-arid regions. These environments are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, climate variability and land degradation, necessitating innovative, data-driven approaches for effective monitoring, planning and sustainable management.”

Remote sensing is the use of satellite or airborne sensor technologies to collect information about water bodies and doing so without direct contact. In recent years, there has been an increase in small-scale mining in Southern Africa and across the country, an issue Prof Dube said is also a critical research area.

“These mining activities, mainly prevalent across rural and arid parts of Africa, often contribute to the contamination of surface and groundwater through heavy metal pollution, increased sedimentation and land degradation. Using remote sensing and geospatial analytics, we assess the extent and intensity of mining activities and their environmental footprints, providing evidence to guide land rehabilitation, environmental protection and community health interventions,” he said.

Other research presentations on the day will include experts from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who will present on the application of space-based technologies for early warning systems in Africa. Additional presentations will focus on precision agriculture, groundwater modelling and vulnerability, and water resources management. The session will also feature key stakeholders from the water sector, including the CEO of the South African Water Research Commission, Dr Molwantwa, who will deliver a keynote address on the state of water resources in South Africa and beyond. She will also discuss available funding frameworks and opportunities in the water research and innovation landscape.

The IWS Open Day is taking place at UWC on 21 May 2025

Prof Dube said: “The Institute for Water Studies aims to increase the understanding of surface water, groundwater and ecosystem linkages, and how water users both affect and are affected by these connections. What makes IWS unique is that it is the only institute in South Africa offering an interdisciplinary focus on the key components of the water cycle, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and big data analytics. We look forward to hosting the IWS Open Day and the open discussions that will take place.”

The IWS Water Day takes place on 21 May at the Life Science Auditorium at the University of the Western Cape. For more information, email tidube@uwc.ac.za or visit 
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