The Best Practice Award is a joint initiative of IWA, AquaMinerals and Allied Waters. The award recognizes outstanding innovations in the recovery of energy, nutrients and by-products from wastewater, thereby reducing waste and opening up new economic opportunities.

The jury announced the winner during the IWA Conference on Resource Recovery on 22 May 2025. The prize was handed over to Bongani Mnisi, Chair of Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, which is affiliated to the Department of Water Sanitation alongside WRC.

“Our credo is: water is life, sanitation is dignity” says Bongani Mnisi, “We simultaneously champion systems that promote health, sustainability, the circular economy, and social development. Our work reflects a belief that innovation must serve both people and the planet by delivering practical solutions that create lasting impact where it matters most.”

Water Efficient Sanitation (WESS) and Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS)

The video gives an impression of the function of the systems and which positive impact they have. Source: Philip Majeke, WRC

During the IWA conference, the principle of Water Efficient Sanitation (WESS) and Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS) was explained by Philip Majeke of WRC. The systems operate independently of centralized sewer networks and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The wastewater undergoes advanced biological, electrochemical and biofim-based treatment processes. Thereby, water consumption is reduced and nutrients are recovered as fertilizers. The energy necessary for the processes is supplied by solar panels and biogas production.

A true holistic approach has come into practice

During the IWA conference lots of research studies and results were presented related to resource recovery in the water sector.

Prof. Ana Soares, chair of the IWA Cluster for Resource Recovery from Water: “We highly appreciate the true holistic approach as presented by the WRC team. A great example of application of an innovative concept.”