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Take the photographic plunge with Wonders of Water competition
The success of the metro’s first-ever Water Security Strategy as a necessary long-term mechanism to ensure water resilience depends largely on how water is viewed in all its manifestations.
This is the opinion of one of the metro researchers on the resilience of cities, Lutske Newton.
Newton heads a competition to create awareness for water and its uses in the metro: The Wonders of Water Photography Competition.
According to Newton, also a project manager of the Tshwane-Aarhus Collaboration, the competition is a new initiative aimed at envisioning a future where clean, safe water is accessible to everyone.
The metro’s recently launched Water Security Strategy is a framework designed to ensure sustainable access to adequate safe and affordable water for all while addressing water scarcity and climate change impacts.
She explained that the competition was part of a collaborative project with the City of Aarhus in Denmark, the University of Pretoria, the University of Aarhus and the Capital Collective.
The Capital Collective is a private initiative aiming to accelerate the rejuvenation and growth of the inner-city business district by encouraging combined public and private efforts.
The competition, as well as collaborative workshops on this theme, is funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. It underscores a commitment to integrating sustainable development with community engagement and artistic expression.
Newton pointed out that Denmark has a long history of supporting development in various countries.
In 2017, the metro was approached by the Danish Embassy to establish a city-to-city agreement with Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark. This was agreed to and the two cities have been collaborating since.
The second phase of the partnership, which kicked off officially in April 2023, is focused purely on water since the City of Aarhus and its water utility are positioned at the centre of water excellence in Europe.
Newton believes there is much to be learnt from their excellent track record on sustainable water management.
“This photographic view of water by residents will give us important insights into how to further craft the strategy. The images submitted for the competition will be used within the strategy to visually communicate both the challenges and hopes of our residents in respect of water,” said Newton.
She explained the project brings together artists, Tshwane’s residents and city officials to creatively depict how all stakeholders can jointly lead efforts to protect water resources and mitigate climate change impacts.
“We also want to showcase photographic artworks that inspire actionable initiatives and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable practices in urban development,” said Newton.
She invited everyone residing in Pretoria to submit images that capture the essence of water for them in the capital city.
“The goal is to highlight the city’s potential for sustainable development through compelling visual narratives, contributing to a vision of a future where access to clean water is a reality for all,” said Newton.
Participants are encouraged to submit photographs that depict spaces and places in the metro intimately connecting them to water.
She pointed out the competition is expected to provide a visual commentary on water in the metro.
The competition also includes an exciting workshop in October for everybody who would like to join the metro’s mission to create a Tshwane where water is clean and accessible to all.
“In our upcoming workshops, we will showcase the photos submitted through our photography competition and, alongside talented artists, imagine the future of Tshwane where nature and water play a central role.
“We aim to make these workshops enjoyable, offering a space where participants can draw inspiration from nature while enjoying good food. Families are welcome, and children can join in the fun too. Together, we hope to dream big.”
Newton has her own favourite water spots in the metro. “I’m a huge fan of the Roodeplaat Dam. I also love the Hartbeesspruit in the Colbyn Valley Wetland.”
How to take part:
– Identify your favourite water spot in the metro and take a few photographs.
– Upload an entry to weebly.com/wondersofwater that you think can win on Capture the Future of Tshwane Wonders of Water
– Motivate why this water spot is important to you and what is your message to the world about this water spot.
– Share your photo via Instagram with #WondersofWater.
– Entries must be submitted by September 20.
– Your submission will be judged on creativity,
