Pretoria:A four-day course focused on Water Resources Management and Water Quality Management has been launched in Pretoria by the National School of Government (NSG) and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA).
According to South African Government News Agency, the program aims to tackle challenges in state capacity regarding water management, as highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year. This initiative is part of a cooperation agreement signed between NSG and RANEPA in November 2025, which includes provisions for scientific and educational development, short-term training, and collaborative research projects.
The program features experts from RANEPA and leading Russian scientific institutions, who specialize in areas such as pollution management, hydrological science, and mathematical modeling. It also offers South African practitioners a platform to share their experiences and challenges.
Phindile Mkwanazi, Acting Principal of the NSG, stated that the program represents a significant step in utilizing international cooperation to build practical public-sector capabilities. Mkwanazi emphasized the importance of adapting international expertise to South Africa's developmental context to strengthen problem-solving capacities within the country.
The NSG is committed to ensuring that the knowledge gained from this program supports improved planning and service delivery, particularly for communities reliant on safe water services. The collaboration aims to enhance capabilities across all government spheres, focusing on officials in water services and related public administration areas.
Mapatani Kgomo, CEO of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, highlighted the need for capable municipalities and strong governance for sustainable water services. Kgomo noted MISA’s role in helping municipalities transition from crisis response to long-term infrastructure reliability.