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09 November 2018
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Story Charlene Stanley
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Photo Charlene Stanley
“Despite our water challenges, Bloemfontein will never become a second Cape Town.” This firm assurance was given by Dr Tseliso Ntili, HOD of the Free State Department of Water and Sanitation, during his presentation at the recent regional seminar of the Faculty of Law’s Environmental Law Association.
The theme of the seminar was Water Quality and Water Security in Bloemfontein and was attended by staff and students from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, as well as relevant role players from private, business, and government sectors.
Not enough water for city’s needs
Water restrictions in some form do seem to remain part of our future landscape though, as Dr Ntsili explained that the city’s current water yield of 218 megalitres per day still fell short of the demand of 259 megalitres per day.
Pollution and mismanagement at municipal level
He pointed out that a big cause for concern was that 75% of the Free State’s waste-water treatment works were dysfunctional. Housekeeping and security at these plants are often severely neglected. Yet, it is difficult for the Department of Water and Sanitation to act against offending municipalities.
“In intra-governmental disputes, the courts must be satisfied that organs of state have taken all reasonable steps to settle contentions – which can be a time-consuming process,” he explained.
Dr Ntsili said that the Caledon River System’s dwindling water levels due to low rainfall and siltation was also a concern, but that plans were underway to supplement the water supply to Bloemfontein via the Gariep Dam by 2026.
However, he warned that poor water management could drastically affect these long-term plans.
“If we can’t manage pollution, the cost will be high. Water security will be challenged, and we will have water shortages – not because of drought, but because of negligence.”
Theology hosts seminar series on transformation of knowledge
2012-02-28
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At the lecture was, from left, Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations (acting), Prof. Dennis Francis, speaker and Dean of the Education Faculty, and Prof. Francois Tolmie, Dean of the Theology Faculty.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
28 February 2012
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Our Faculty of Theology decided, as part of its strategic planning, to approach external advisers to gain a new perpective on the faculty’s programme and curriculum.
To this end, a series of lectures by visiting professors on the implications of epistemological transformation for theology were presented. The professors represented disciplines apart from Theology and attracted an audience from fields other than Theology.
A topic that was put under the spotlight recently was “ A Critical Race Theory Discussion of Curriculum” by Prof. Dennis Francis, the Dean of our Faculty of Education. Academics from various disciplines attended Prof. Francis’s talk.
Anybody is welcome to attend the lectures. The sessions are advertised on the calendar on our website.