A cohort of 13 candidates from the five SASSCAL member countries (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) received scholarships to pursue doctoral qualifications.
The funding, valued at N$40-million, was availed by SASSCAL through Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Closing the skills gap
Currently, there is limited capacity to support a broad and integrated approach for sustainable water resources management and water security in the SADC region. “In order for the region to overcome these challenges, we must build higher calibre scientists and engineers who will come up with innovative technological solutions to manage the water resources we have in a more sustainable manner,” Dr Jane Olwoch, the SASSCAL Executive Director said.
Dr Erold Naomab, NUST Vice-Chancellor, expressed his gratitude towards the SASSCAL funding. “Several students wish to pursue their studies up to Doctoral level, but due to financial challenges, this may become an unattainable goal. Therefore, the financial support from SASSCAL goes a long way,” Dr Naomab stated.
Thematic Areas
The Programme is underway with seven females and six males who commenced witth their doctoral studies in the thematic areas na of Water and Wastewater Systems and Technology; Hydrology and Geohydrology; Water Security under Climate and Environmental Changes; and Sustainable Water, Energy and Food Security (WEF Nexus).
In addition, the SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme (SGSP) will offer academic and research short courses in as Statistical Analysis, Programming, Critical Thinking, Research Ethics, and Research Design and Methodology.