We are building a vibrant network to connect, honour, and engage the brilliant minds who have shaped South Africa’s water and sanitation sector. Whether you are a researcher, innovator, past employee, or emerging student, your contribution matters. The WRC Alumni Programme is our way of saying thank you and inviting you back into the fold.
The newly proposed WRC Alumni Programme will be officially launched during the 2026/27 fiscal year as part of the WRC’s 55-Year Celebrations.
The aim of this programme is to recognise and engage the valuable network of
researchers, innovators, academics, past WRC employees, and emerging students who have contributed to South Africa’s water and sanitation sector through WRC- supported work. We intend to transform this extensive network into an active
community of WRC Ambassadors – individuals who can help shape the sector, mentor new talent, and continue to ‘pay it forward’ to the WRC and broader society.
A personal career profile on the dedicated WRC Alumni Virtual Portal.
An Alumni/WRC Ambassador token (pin, tie, or similar) for professional networking spaces.
An invitation to the Alumni Launch Event (virtual or hybrid).
A quarterly WRC Alumni Newsletter featuring activities, highlights, and new resources.
Regular updates on all WRC funding calls, reference group vacancies, and other opportunities.
Opportunities for WRC-facilitated social media profiling.
For you to join, you will be expected to complete the online application form which will be sent to all WRC Alumni.
You will be asked to provide proof of your linkage to WRC (e.g., project name, contract number, past employment, or any involvement with the WRC)
Briefly describe the impact of your work in the water and sanitation sector (e.g., policy influence, scaled solutions, institutional development).
The Alumni Portal is expected to go live in September 2026, with the official launch event scheduled during the 55-Year Celebrations towards the end of the year.
We are looking forward to counting you among our founding cohort of WRC Alumni.
