Weather Institute of Southern Africa: briefing

Meeting report

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This Report is a Contact Natural Resource Information Service
Taking Parliament to People, and People to Parliament
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The aim of this report is to summarise the main events at the meeting and identify the key role players. This report is not a verbatim transcript of proceedings.

WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
28 September 2000
BRIEFING BY WATER INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Documents handed out:
none

SUMMARY
The Committee invited the CEO of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) to brief them on its role and objectives as well as possible avenues for cooperation between the Committee and WISA.

MINUTES
The meeting began with a presentation by the CEO of WISA, Mr Willie Lotz. WISA is an organisation consisting of people with an interest in water affairs. Its mission is "to provide a forum for the exchange of information and views to improve water resources management in Southern Africa." WISA is a Section 21 (not for profit) organisation with over 1000 members in all Southern African countries. In South Africa WISA has five branches in different provinces - Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, and the Western Cape - and aims to reach all nine in the near future.

The core function of WISA is to ensure an exchange of information between organisations in the water sector. It is driven by the concerns of its members and is financially dependent on its membership fees as its primary source of funding. With only three permanent staff WISA relies on volunteer work by its member organisations to reach many of its goals. More information on WISA can be found at www.wisa.co.za

Discussion:
Ms M Ngwenya (ANC) asked what the organisation has done since its rebirth in 1987. What role has it played since that time and what communication has it maintained with the Portfolio Committee?

Mr Simmons (NNP) asked what research WISA has undertaken in the water sector area.

WISA responded that there has been no cooperation with the Committee until now and that any research undertaken is under the auspices of the members. WISA merely makes sure everyone has access to the research.

The acting chair, Mr D. Hanekom (ANC) commented that WISA might be a very useful vehicle to bring suggestions and concerns to the Portfolio Committee.

WISA responded that this was a great idea as it would benefit both the organisation as well as the Parliamentarians. Members of WISA have great and varied experience in the water sector and could make important contributions to the debate.

Mr Hanekom asked if WISA would inform their members about the upcoming hearings on the Regulations dealing with the Water Services Act.

The meeting was then adjourned.

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