Who we are
The Water and Sanitation Youth Network of Southern Africa – Also known as (SAWSYN) is a youth-led national platform established to address the growing need for structured, meaningful youth participation in South Africa’s water and sanitation sector.
SAWSYN was conceptualised by a group of Young Professionals from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Water Boards across South Africa, following the Youth Indaba held in June 2022. The initiative emerged from a shared vision to create a unified platform that brings together youth across all water sector affiliations, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sector-wide engagement.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At SAWSYN, we are dedicated to empowering youth through targeted training in the water and sanitation sector. Our mission is to bridge the skills gap by providing practical education and resources that foster innovation and resilience. We envision a future where youth lead the change for sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Our Purpose
SAWSYN exists to provide a platform for youth and young professionals in the water and sanitation sector to connect, collaborate, and engage meaningfully. The organisation fosters youth participation, supports technical capacity development, and promotes knowledge sharing in alignment with the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2020-2030.
Through this work, SAWSYN contributes to the holistic development of young South Africans while addressing key societal and sector challenges. The Network further supports national priorities such as job creation, education and training, entrepreneurship, economic transformation, innovation, and social cohesion.
Meet Our Team
Discover our dedicated team members and learn how their expertise fosters trust and confidence.
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Chairperson
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Deputy Chairperson
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Secretary
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Community Liaison
Join Our Movement for Change
Become a part of our mission to empower youth in the water and sanitation sector. Engage with us in various initiatives focused on skill development and effective collaboration.