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26 March 2018 Photo Pixabay
Back to the drawing board to save water
We’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands.

Dr Cindé Greyling, a University of the Free State (UFS) DiMTEC (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa) alumni, studied drought mitigation with a strong focus on communicating important water-saving information. 

Can we run out of water?
Yes, and no, says Dr Greyling. “To our knowledge, water is not ‘leaking’ through our atmosphere. We have what we have, but that doesn’t mean we will have enough clean, fresh water forever. Nature has a magnificent way of purifying water through the water cycle. We, on the other hand, must use a lot of money and energy to purify water. Also, we’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands. The other problem is a simple supply and demand scenario. More people will need more water, but not only that, population growth calls for industry development and increased food supplies – all of which require more water.”    

A war over water
Besides some Hollywood impressions, it is difficult to imagine a war over water, but it is possible. “Some experts are convinced that we are heading there, and others claim that such tensions already exist. Personally, I don’t favour these kinds of shock tactics (or truths) – social research has shown us that it rarely leads to behavioural changes. We can learn a lot from what was has been done in Cape Town. Although we all think people were bombarded with ‘Day-Zero’-scares, they were actually encouraged to adapt their behaviour with a communication campaign that hardly ever used the term ‘Day-Zero’. This approach mobilised citizens to reach record lows of water usage.” 

Adapt a new normal
Dr Greyling encourages the “new normal” set in motion by Capetonians. “Water consciousness is needed, even when the rain comes again. We’ve taken water for granted for too long. As consumers, we have the power to turn this situation around – drop for drop. Be aware about the amount of water you use, how you use it, and for what. Keep in mind that any wastage and pollution (of ‘dry’ things) also wastes and pollutes water. Generally, we need to behave better regarding consumption.”  

News Archive

Bloemfontein Campus’ most talented students recognised
2013-08-21

 
Among Kovsies’ brightest young stars. From the left are: Jean Vermaas, Johann Steyn and Onthathile Serehete.
21 August 2013
Photo: Johan Roux
 

The most talented students of the Bloemfontein Campus have been announced. 

Johann Steyn, a final-year LLB student and SRC member, was named as the SRC Dux Student for 2013. He and seven other students were recognised for their academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. 

Jean Vermaas, also a final-year LLB student, and Onthathile Serehete, a fifth-year medical student, were announced first and second runner-up respectively. 

In a new category introduced this year, Jomari de Beer, Mpho Sefo, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, Richard Chemaly and Foster Lubbe received student achiever awards based on exceptional achievement, representing the university in renowned organisations or structures. 

The SRC Dux Student Award is granted to a final-year undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, co-curricular and community involvement, and student leadership.

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