In February 2025, uMngeni Water Services hosted the inaugural Waterways of Unity Stakeholder Engagement Forum- a landmark gathering that brought together leaders from government, the private sector, academia, and development organisations to advance collaboration in the water and sanitation sector.

Held at Irene Country Lodge, the one-day conference focused on strengthening partnerships, bridging the skills gap, and exploring sustainable water solutions to address the challenges facing South Africa. With presentations from prominent sector voices, panel discussions, and a strong emphasis on skills development, the event set a powerful precedent for united action.

Delegates included representatives from SETAs, TVETs, the Water Research Commission, SALGA, CSIR, the Strategic Water Partnership Network, and a number of international partners. The Forum also served as a platform to spotlight the role of the uMngeni Water Services Institute for Learning (UWSIL) in capacitating the sector through work-based learning programmes.

The success of Waterways of Unity 2025 has led to its adoption as an annual event on the UWS calendar- a testament to its impact and the shared commitment of all involved to ensuring water security through meaningful collaboration.