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Tuesday, 17th October, 2023

KOBWA ATTENDS BUFFELSPRUIT CAREER EXPO AND 2nd ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Students from several local schools visited KOBWA stand to learn more about KOBWA operations and professions offered by the organization.

On the 13th and 14th of October 2023, the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) joined other stakeholders and partners for a career expo and an environmental awareness day that was organized by Phaphama Youth Centre in collaboration with the Nkomazi Greening and Beautification Forum. The two days event was held at Mahlatsi High School in Buffelspruit, the Republic of South Africa. On day one which was the Career Expo, KOBWA engaged with Grade 12 students from various local high schools explaining what KOBWA does and the career options that the organization offers through four departments (Water Management, Corporate Services, Finance and Administration) that sustain the operations of the organization. The aim was to help the students understand KOBWA operations and tertiary courses to consider if interested in joining the institution in the future.

Mahlatsi High School students picking up litter around the school premises and surrounding areas.

On day two, the event was kickstarted by a clean-up campaign that was conducted at Mahlatsi High School and surrounding areas. This was followed by a session where several speakers urged the students and community members to keep the environment clean, ultimately preserving the environment. Phaphama Youth Centre Representative, Mr. Lucky Maseko noted that the objective of the event was to raise awareness on environmental issues, thus, urged the students and community members in attendance to ''avoid littering anywhere and anyhow, be it in the land, rivers or dams because this negatively impacts our society'' he said.

Ms. Khethiwe Ngcobo addressing the audience during the event on behalf of KOBWA CEO.

KOBWA Representative Ms. Khethiwe Ngcobo speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) observed that as the local municipality develops, urbanization within the Komati River basin increases, so are the environmental impacts. ''Therefore, it becomes imperative that we join hands with other stakeholders in raising environmental awareness to strive to maintain a balance between socio-economic development and sustainability'' she said.

Counsellor Sibiya delivering the Keynote Address on behalf of the Executive Mayor.

The Executive Mayor, Counselor PP Magagula was represented by Corporate Services MMC Mr. Sibiya who delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he urged participants of the event to stay abreast of environmental issues so that they may understand the negative impact littering does to the environment. He further urged stakeholders and partners to determine ''how our campaign impacts the environmental sector so that it can be advocated that environmental issues be included in school curriculum ensuring that our children are educated young on the importance of preserving the environment'' he noted. The event was graced by several entertainment groups that kept the audience entertained through poems, traditional and 'amapiano' dance.