Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your role within the Water Security in Africa (WASA) research programme? What are your main research areas and fields of expertise?
I am a geoscientist with a research focus on enhancing the sustainable use and management of groundwater resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. Within the Water Security in Africa (WASA) programme, I serve as the African speaker for the SeeKaquA project and the lead researcher from the University of Namibia. My role involves coordinating project activities, planning and leading field campaigns, supervising postgraduate students, and facilitating collaboration among project partners. Our research in SeeKaquA focuses on improving groundwater exploration techniques for both shallow and deep Kalahari aquifers by integrating geophysical methods, geochemical analyses, and geological information. This multidisciplinary approach aims to improve our understanding of these aquifer systems and support their sustainable development and management.
What inspired you to work in the field of water security, and what motivates you most about the SeeKaquA project?
The SeeKaquA project builds on many years of research that we have conducted in the Kalahari aquifer systems. Having grown up in the study area, I have a personal connection to the region and a deep understanding of the water challenges faced by local communities. My MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral research all focused on these aquifers, so I am familiar with many of the knowledge gaps that still need to be addressed.
What motivates me most is the opportunity to generate scientific knowledge that can make a real difference to people’s lives. Growing up without reliable access to running water made me appreciate how fundamental water security is to health, livelihoods, and development. Through SeeKaquA, we are improving our understanding of both shallow and deep Kalahari aquifers using advanced geophysical, geological, and geochemical approaches. I am motivated by the prospect that our research will contribute to better groundwater exploration, sustainable water resource management, and ultimately improved access to safe and reliable water for communities in the region.
What opportunities do you see for strengthening collaboration across the WASA network?
The WASA network has already created excellent opportunities for collaboration through initiatives such as webinars, workshops, and the summer school for PhD students. These platforms provide valuable spaces for researchers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build professional networks across Africa. I believe the programme is doing very well in fostering these interactions.
Going forward, I think there is even greater potential for collaboration at the project level. Projects working on similar themes should actively identify areas of overlap, share expertise and data where appropriate, and develop joint research activities. This would maximise the impact of the programme and reduce duplication of effort.
However, I believe the greatest long-term investment is in strengthening collaboration among early-career researchers, particularly PhD students. These researchers are at the beginning of their careers, and the relationships they build now can develop into lifelong scientific collaborations. By connecting young professionals across the region, WASA is not only supporting current research but also building a strong network of African scientists who will continue working together to address water security challenges for many years to come.
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope the WASA research programme will have on research, policy, and communities across Southern Africa and beyond?
I hope the WASA research programme will leave a lasting legacy by strengthening both scientific capacity and water security across Southern Africa. Beyond building a strong network of African scientists, the programme is generating the knowledge and innovations needed to address some of the region’s most pressing water challenges.
One of WASA’s greatest strengths is the breadth of its research. The programme covers a wide range of themes, including groundwater exploration, innovative water technologies, improved water resources management, hydrological forecasting, and climate resilience. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that the research not only advances science but also provides practical solutions for sustainable water management.
I also see great value in the strong partnerships that WASA has established between academia, industry, government, and local communities. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ensure that research findings can be translated into policy, planning, and implementation. Ultimately, I hope the programme will contribute to evidence-based decision-making, improved access to water resources, and more resilient communities across Southern Africa and beyond.