Congratulations to Prof Evans Chirwa of UP’s Chemical Engineering Department for being recognised by the Water Institute of Southern Africa for his significant contribution to the water sector!

Professor Evans Chirwa of UP’s Chemical Engineering Department has been elected as a senior fellow of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA). Prof Chirwa is also an incumbent of the Rand Water and Sedibeng Water Research Chairs in Water Utilisation Engineering.

The professor is being honoured for the dedication and support that he has shown WISA and the water sector throughout his career. “This exceptional honour is not bestowed lightly, and takes into consideration the consistency of support that Prof Chirwa has shown WISA over many years,” said WISA Board Chair Dan Naidoo. “It is, however, not restricted to support for WISA, but also takes note of the contributions he has made to the enhancement of the water sector overall, and the esteem that his actions have brought to the stature of the South African water industry.”

With this award, Prof Chirwa joins the ranks of highly respected South African academics and professionals in the water sector, including Prof George Ekama (University of Cape Town), Prof Eugene Cloete (Stellenbosch University), Prof Bhekie Mamba (University of South Africa), Prof Alvin Lagardien (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) and Prof Faizal Bux (Durban University of Technology).

Prof Chirwa has made significant contributions to the water landscape both nationally and internationally through his research into issues related to water quality and the concomitant impact on the environment. This impact was recognised by the National Research Foundation’s National Equipment Plan funding instrument in 2019 through the acquisition of a first-on-the-continent hyphenated ion chromatograph-quadrupole/time of flight analytical system. 

“This is an extraordinary award bestowed on an individual who has made immense contributions to the field of water and sanitation engineering,” said Prof Michael Daramola, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department.