The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) was formed in 1987 when the Southern African branch of the Institute of Water Pollution Control (formerly the institute of Sewage Purification), which had served the water industry in Southern Africa for a period of 50 years, was disbanded. The Institute notifies its members of cutting edge developments in water technology and research through its national and international liaison, links and affiliations.

“Winning this prestigious award for work done on my MSc research (obtained cum laude) really means a lot to me. I often feel like I am not in a position to comment as I have not yet reached the peak of my career. However, one thing is clear, young people need to believe in themselves and also know the worth of what they do, to succeed,” says Dr Thantsha, Lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology.

According to Dr Thantsha, mentors are important components for her achieving this accomplishment. One of such mentors to whom she is grateful for is Prof Eugene Cloete, Chair of the School of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. “He [Prof Cloete] has been a very supportive revenue of information. I thank him for his positive attitude and confidence in his students (staff), that gave me the courage and confidence to unleash my potential,” concludes Dr Thantsha.