Global currents converged as our expert international partners joined us for our first U Exchange for the water industry—well, our first two to be precise.

Themed “Technologies for Solving the Challenges of Tomorrow”, we hosted two U Exchanges in partnership with Jacobi Group, KleinScale, LG Chem, and ROPV. The first event took place in Johannesburg on October 22, and the second in Paarl on October 24, 2024.

Key topics

Throughout the exchanges, discussions covering a range of critical topics, included:

  • PFAS Removal
  • Latest LG Max RO Membrane
  • Antiscalants & Membrane Cleaners
  • Pressure Vessel Challenges
  • Activated Carbon
  • Ion Exchange Resin

In Paarl, we were honoured to have a special keynote address from Prof. Andre Burger, from Stellenbosch University. He aptly highlighted the importance of real-world knowledge sharing in our ever-evolving tech-driven world. While remaining conscious of how we can best support current students, essentially our future custodians of this precious resource.

Striking a Balance in the pH of Progress

To prepare for potential future challenges, it’s imperative to assess the current state, even if it appears bleak. Afterall, as the history of typhoid fever indicates, a threat to humanity can be effectively neutralized through advancements in the treatment of water.

Our current challenges + reasons to do better

U Exchange: Water

As it stands, we collectively play a part in approx. 80% of the South African water industry, and these figures require our attention now, for the future.

U Exchange: Water

Excerpt from the National Water Source Strategy study.

Distilling Expertise into Action

Thank you to our partners and speakers for your valuable insights and contributions. Our recent gatherings made it clear: together, we’re creating a ripple effect that will shape the future of the South African water industry.

This momentum is just the start. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we’re ready to tackle new challenges head-on. Together, we’ll ensure sustainable solutions that benefit communities worldwide for generations to come.