By Lerato Mpembe
Fifteen-year-old twins Sandisiwe and Sanelisiwe Nhlozi, hailing from KwaDabeka near Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, are preparing to make their mark on the international stage at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. The event, set to take place in Stockholm, Sweden, this Sunday, will see the twins flying the South African flag high as they present their innovative project, the “Drop-Drop” water education and awareness app.
The Nhlozi sisters earned the honour of representing South Africa by winning the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) in June 2024. The competition, driven by the Department of Water and Sanitation, challenges high school learners to identify water-related problems in their communities and devise technology-based solutions. Their victory was secured through their app, which aims to enhance education around the importance of water conservation and prudent usage in communities.
Currently in Grade 10 at Buhlebemfundo Secondary School, the twins are eager to refine and implement their project further, regardless of the outcome in Stockholm. “Of course, we want to win, but if it happens that we do not win, we hope to see ‘Drop-Drop’ being developed further and implemented in communities where it is needed the most,” the sisters stated with enthusiasm.
Their commitment to contributing to water solutions in South Africa extends beyond the competition. With comprehensive bursaries awarded by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the sisters plan to pursue studies in Civil Engineering after matric, aiming to work within the water sector and address the country’s ongoing water challenges.
Reflecting on their win in the SAYWP, Sandisiwe shared, “When we won the SAYWP competition, we were so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Although we did not think that we would win, because of the tough competition with our counterparts from other provinces, it was through teamwork and dedication that we were crowned winners.”
The upcoming trip to Sweden marks the first time the twins will travel outside of South Africa, and they are excited about the opportunity to represent their country on such a significant platform. “Being provided with this opportunity to represent South Africa is an incredible honour and privilege. We feel proud, excited, and nervous, but we find comfort in each other and in knowing that learners at our school and even those we competed with are supporting us,” Sanelisiwe added.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has expressed its support for the twins and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Department of Basic Education to raise awareness about water education. The department hopes to inspire more young minds to take an interest in the water sector and contribute innovative solutions.
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a global competition that attracts thousands of entries from around 35 countries. It is open to young people aged 15 to 20 who have developed research projects aimed at solving major water challenges.
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