SAWSYN connects and grows young people across the water and sanitation sector — students, professionals, researchers and youth-led organisations working together on leadership, learning and real sector impact. Publicly we go by SAWSYN; formally we're registered as the Water and Sanitation Youth Network of Southern Africa NPC.
To connect, develop and amplify young people across the sector through leadership, mentorship, skills, research, innovation and hands-on community impact.
A go-to platform for young people in water and sanitation — building skills and know-how that drive better services and real change across the sector.
“We build the people, partnerships and platforms that turn youth potential into sector impact.”
Young people lead here — not just take part.
We act openly, honestly and hold the trust placed in us.
Every background, discipline and route into the sector is welcome.
We're stronger connecting institutions, people and generations.
Curiosity and practical ideas for real sector problems.
Our work should leave people, places and services better off.
Young professionals were already leading forums and building communities across the sector — just not yet connected.
Founding leadership and early members shaped SAWSYN as a shared platform for everyone doing that work.
Registered as the Water and Sanitation Youth Network of Southern Africa NPC — SAWSYN for short.
Growing membership nationwide, launching flagship programmes, and proving youth-led impact.
We work closely with the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA), linking our members to sector institutions and opportunities — while staying independently youth-led.
