The existence of uMngeni-uThukela Water Young Professionals (UUWYP) proves the entity’s ongoing acknowledgement and support towards initiatives aimed at developing the youth. Since the inception of UUWYP in 2014, the forum has an active membership of 250, consisting of employees below the age of 35. The UUWYP is a solution-oriented platform that aims to cultivate professional development, leadership and social responsibility among the entity’s young workforce.

The forum continues to aim at being a catalyst in supporting the organisation to achieve its vision and mission, be the proponent of continuous learning, growth and collaboration, and being a key partner to enable the organisation to achieve efficiency gains through innovation and use of best-fit technology. Aligned with uMngeni-uThukela Water growth strategy; the forum`s operational model is underpinned by its constitution, strategy and the following objectives:

• To create an enabling environment for professional growth through affiliation and registration;
  
  
• To encourage active community and social responsibility participation;
  
  
• To create a solid professional and social networking the young professionals in the organisation;
  
  
• To empower uMngeni-uThukela Water Young Professionals (UUWYP) through skills development, resources and information-sharing.

During the reporting period, the UUWYP initiated and advocated for different Initiatives that were seen as being key to the progress and continuous success of the forum. These initiatives were borne of engagements with different internal and external stakeholders.

Notable activities completed by UUWYP in the year include:

• UUWYP has implemented the High School tutoring program for grade 10 – 12 learners at two High schools in two (2) UUW supply areas. One Programme will be implemented and fully operational in the Richards Bay region in the new financial year
  
  
• Sponsored and participated in the 2024 Annual Green Youth Indaba Youth, where the YPs presented, part of the panel discussion and exhibited on the different programs available at the conference
  
  
• Sponsored one (1) young professional who partook in the Wetskills challenge part of their professional development,
  
  
• Partnered with the Department of Water and Sanitation in planning and the 2024 National Youth Indaba. UUWYP were part of the Programme and participated in the various task teams. At the end of the conference there were YPs that were awarded by the Department and Lepelle Northen Water in appreciation for the work they have done in ensuring the success of the Conference in Polokwane,
  
  
• Planning and successfully assisting Overberg Water in establishing the Young Professional Forum. UUWYP was approached by the Department of Water and sanitation to assist other Water Boards in establishing the forum in preparation for the National Youth Forum that was established at the National Youth Indaba 2024,
  
  
• UUWYP participated at the UUW career day which was held at North KZN. The purpose of this event was to assist Grade 12 students in choosing careers in the Water sector. This was a ministerial event where the minister opened the event, encouraged the students and wished them well for their upcoming finals.
  
  
• UUWYP sponsored nine (9) YPs to attend the WISA 2024 Biannual conference. YPs where exposed to different sector players that added more knowledge to the YPs on the water sector.
  
  
• UUWYP hosted their Annual General Meeting where the session was split into two parts. The first part was to officially welcome the new YPs from the Richards Bay Region since the two entities have become. This was well received by the new YPs joining the forum, as the members after that session have grown.
  
  
• The second part of the meeting the committee presented all the activities that the forum has done in the previous financial year. The forum had four (4) objectives namely Increase brand value, increase membership, improve effectiveness of social programmes, Improve internal processes. All these objectives the forum was able to achieve through the various initiatives that were implemented
  
  
• A few YPs were recognized for their exceptional work they have done during the calendar year. This was seen by that YPs in their respective departments were awarded Young Professionals of the year. Another YP received a Spotlight on Greatness award from the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the commendable work he has done. This shows that the forum not only does it participate in forum activities only but does produce YPs that do well in their day-to-day activities in and outside of the organisation.