Delegates from the Water Research Commission Young Engineers Changemakers Programme during their visit to TÜV SÜD in Singapore.
George Municipality is strengthening its approach to sustainable water and sanitation services through international collaboration and skills development, as the country marks National Water Week.
Esethu Nyamankulu, a Senior Process Controller at Water Treatment Works who is also a chemical engineering technologist by profession in the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Directorate, was selected as one of eight young municipal engineers from across South Africa to participate in the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP), facilitated by the Water Research Commission.
As part of the programme’s international exchange phase, Nyamankulu participated in a study tour in Singapore from 16 to 20 March 2026, with engagements hosted by institutions including TÜV SÜD and the NUS Environmental Research Institute.
The programme is designed to build municipal capacity for innovation in the water sector, equipping engineers with the skills and knowledge required to support sustainable, resilient, and future-ready municipalities. Key focus areas included improving access to safe drinking water, reducing water losses, addressing ageing infrastructure, and advancing water and wastewater treatment and reuse technologies.
The international engagement also explored standards-driven approaches, including ISO 30500, highlighting how innovation, technology, and data can support the implementation of safe and scalable sanitation systems.
Nyamankulu’s selection followed a competitive process recognising innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence demonstrated throughout the programme.
Reflecting on the experience, Nyamankulu said the exposure to global best practice offered valuable insights for local application: “The exposure to advanced membrane technologies and water reuse systems showed how municipalities can improve water security and sustainability. Singapore’s ability to treat domestic wastewater to potable standards highlights the value of integrating technology with water conservation strategies,” he said. “In George, this can support diversifying water sources beyond the Garden Route Dam and building on existing infrastructure like the UF plant at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works.”
He added that exposure to circular economy practices further broadened the Municipality’s approach to sustainability: “Exposure to circular economy practices and waste-to-resource technologies demonstrated how municipalities can address landfill constraints and improve resource recovery. Singapore’s approach to converting municipal solid waste into reusable materials offers practical solutions to reduce landfill pressure. In George, this can support extending landfill lifespan while creating value from waste.”
The knowledge gained through this engagement will contribute to George Municipality’s ongoing water and sanitation initiatives, including its water campaign focused on responsible use, infrastructure reliability, and long-term sustainability. Exposure to global best practices supports the Municipality’s efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce water losses, and strengthen service delivery.
Congratulating Nyamankulu, Director of Civil Engineering Services, Jannie Koegelenberg, said: “George Municipality congratulates Nyamankulu on this achievement and recognises the value of investing in technical expertise to benefit local communities. Further insights from the programme will be incorporated into municipal operations and planning processes.”
Esethu Nyamankulu, Senior Process Controller at George Municipality, is engaging with advanced water treatment and membrane filtration technology during the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme study tour in Singapore.
South African municipal engineers participate in an interactive knowledge exchange on water sustainability, innovation, and resource management during the international programme in Singapore.