The theme for WISA2020 is #AllHandsOnDeck which reflects our commitment to working together for water in Southern Africa. Now we are extending the theme to a much broader scope.

We need #AllHandsOnDeck as we meet the challenge of mitigating against the spread of the Corona Virus (Covid-19). We need to work together for the health and safety of us all.

Last night, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced a series of measures to contain the spread of the virus in our country. These included travel bans from the countries currently most affected by the pandemic and prohibitions against gatherings of more than 100 people. These actions will flatten the curve, curtailing the rapid spread of the virus.

This has an obvious impact on WISA2020 which includes speakers from overseas and an estimated 1500 delegates. In response, the WISA Board and the Organising Committee were faced with a number of choices. We could have run the conference as a digital event but we decided against this. You have all told us how much you value the opportunity to network with each other and with the high calibre water experts who present at our conferences, so we have taken the decision to postpone the event until later in the year. As soon as the new date is confirmed, we will let you know through our websites, social media and member emails.

We will continue working to make the conference bigger and better than ever before, and will keep providing you with updates and information from our key presenters.

With #AllHandsOnDeck we will overcome this challenge. We look forward to welcoming you to WISA2020 later this year.

Stay safe!