Editorial
News category: Nanoeditorial
Future water availability is one of the biggest threats facing the people of South Africa. It is estimated that around 5.7 million people in South Africa do not have access to basic water services. Like elsewhere in the world, South Africa is facing a growing, complex challenge – to provide clean, safe drinking water to its growing population of citizens – as freshwater resources face rising pressure to provide for the social, economic and environmental needs of a growing population.
While water is inextricably linked to development of society, at the same time, this development also places considerable pressure on water resources. Therefore, effective water management is essential if the country is to achieve optimal social and economic development in a sustainable manner.
Can nanotechnology improve the current and future status, and address the issue of providing clean water to the citizens of South Africa? More and more scientists are getting involved in nanotechnology research and innovation to address a number of the country’s challenges. Organisations such as the Water Research Commission, Rand Water and the National Department of Water Affairs have recognised the potential of the technology and are working together. In this edition, we highlight the work of some scientists who are exploring ways in which nanotechnology can be used to provide clean water to South Africans.
We are working hard to ensure the newsletter continues this year, and we are pleased to announce that a new call has been issued for a one-year contract to produce the newsletter. We hope to receive a number of proposals from the nanotechnology community to manage the newsletter for the next financial year. The closing date is 18 September 2015 at 11H00.
As always, we value your input, articles or recommendations on all things nano that you would like to see profiled at the NPEP NanoNews, from news items and postgraduate opportunities to event notifications. For all comments and suggestions, simply email us at nanonews@npep.co.za.