Wits Integrated Experience (WIE) Short Course

The people of Johannesburg have seen a year of   increasing water shedding and decreasing water levels in major dams and reservoirs. This historic low  adds to city-wide fears around infrastructure neglect, sustained power failures at major reservoirs and unsustainable water consumption practices.

With Day Zero looming—a day when taps across the city could run dry—residents are demanding urgent action to secure their water future. The crisis has raised questions about water governance, infrastructure resilience, and community preparedness. Residents are concerned about equitable water distribution, the safety of the city's drinking water, and strategies for minimizing water waste and revitalise critical water exchange projects. Others fear the impact of water shedding on food security, public health and safety, and the city's political stability. Above all, people want clear guidance on how to adapt their behaviours and demand systemic changes to prevent Day Zero.

Wits University has been approached by the Gauteng Department of Water and Sanitation to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the JHB Water Crisis and to propose possible ways to prevent future water crisis of another “Day Zero” and to secure our water future. The University is inviting scholars to assist in this investigation and to present their findings at a special “hearing” on Friday, 25 July 2025 from 12h00.

Learners will partner with Wits University academics in investigating ways of assessing failing infrastructure and potential damage caused, the possible impact on local communities, processing data collected and in proposing how to deal with such a crisis from various disciplines in all faculties.

Thereafter, project work (in teams of 5 learners per school) will lead to a report-back presentation in front of a panel of “experts”, which will take place on Friday, 25 July 2025. This will culminate in an awards ceremony on the same day.

• Introduction to basic laws, principles and procedures within the five disciplines.
• Engagement with emerging technologies that can contribute to solving this critical problem.
• Engagement with emerging subject-specific trends and practices in all five faculties that can contribute towards solving the problem of failing infrastructure data collection and data management, as well as the potential impact on society and disaster management.
• Introduction to basic principles that focus on data interpretation and application, dissemination of information, and the interrelationship between multiple disciplines to overcome problems related to failing infrastructure.
• Forensic investigations in solving complex and multi-faceted problems that demand integrated solutions.

At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:

• Identify and solve a problem using scientific thought, methods and techniques in which responses display critical and creative thinking.
• Collect, organise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team or group.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills to present their findings reliably and accurately in writing and verbally challenge preconceived notions.

 The course will be offered face-to-face at Wits University’s Braamfontein Campus, and participants will need to find their own way to and from the Braamfontein Campus.

• 70% plus in all subjects.
• A compulsory payment of R300 is required from each participating student (Participants will receive food, gift packs and certificates during the programme).
• Maximum of 5 members per team per school.
• Strictly 1 team per school.