South African Environmental Observation Network

South Africa Wins Big at International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage Conference in France​

The South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) congratulates Dr. Zanele Ntshidi, Arid Land Node Manager, and the South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID) for winning five awards on 14 October 2026 at the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) conference in Marseille, France.

Dr. Ntshidi, an executive member of SANCID, attended as part of the South African delegation. The ICID awards recognize outstanding research advancing efficient agricultural water use to strengthen food and water security.

Key Highlights & Awards:

  • World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS): Four South African sites were added to the global register: Bulshoek Dam, Nqweba Dam, Upper Van Stadens Dam, and Vaal Barrage Structure
  • Best-Performing National Committee: SANCID won first place, ahead of Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

Delegates from NRF-SAEON, the Water Research Commission, the Agricultural Research Council, the University of the Free State, and the Department of Agriculture jointly accepted the honors, underscoring the vital role of public-private partnerships in addressing environmental challenges.

“This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and strong partnerships. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, expertise, and resources around a shared vision, we were able to maximize our collective impact and achieve this desirable result.”
— Dr. Zanele Ntshidi

During the conference, Dr. Ntshidi presented her research, “Long-term research on water and food security: Empowering female emerging farmers to grow food that feeds nations,” highlighting strategies for climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient, food-secure communities.

SANCID aligns its operational objectives with sustainable water management under Vision 2030 and the National Water Resource Strategy, focusing on three core pillars:

1.  Food Security: Enhancing agricultural output through smart irrigation.
2.  Economic Growth: Supporting development while managing water infrastructure constraints.
3.  Resource Sustainability: Mitigating water scarcity threats to energy production and quality of life.