Legal & Governance
Governance of the RWRDIH@UP
The Rand Water Research Development and Innovation Hub at the University of Pretoria (RWRDIH@UP) operates within the governance framework established by the agreement between Rand Water, the University of Pretoria and Imbeko Solutions, with effect from 1 July 2025.
The Hub’s activities are overseen by an Advisory Board Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight of the Hub’s programme of work. The approved Scope of Work establishes the Advisory Board Committee as the mechanism through which the activities of the RWRDIH@UP are managed and through which its annual programme of work and associated funding are considered.
The RWRDIH@UP is a collaborative research, education and innovation initiative operating within the institutional and governance arrangements agreed between its participating organisations. Nothing published on this website creates contractual obligations on behalf of the University of Pretoria, Rand Water or another participating organisation. Formal commitments, funding decisions and contractual arrangements remain subject to the authorised processes and delegations of the relevant institutions.
Information provided on this website is intended for general information and knowledge dissemination. While reasonable care is taken to ensure its accuracy, research findings, project descriptions and other information may change as research progresses and should not, unless expressly stated otherwise, be regarded as professional, regulatory, legal or technical advice
Research integrity and public communication
The Hub seeks to contribute credible, evidence-based knowledge to water-sector decision-making. Its advisory mandate includes rapid-response policy support, expert opinion, science communication and knowledge transfer.
Public-facing expert opinion and policy-related outputs produced under the Hub’s mandate are expected to be based on the best available evidence and to meet accepted standards of responsible research. The Scope of Work provides for appropriate review and approval by the parties to the collaboration for accuracy and quality.
Research undertaken through the Hub remains subject, where applicable, to the University of Pretoria’s established requirements relating to research ethics, academic integrity, responsible research, intellectual property, data management and other institutional policies.
Independence and institutional responsibilities
The RWRDIH@UP is a collaborative initiative and should not be understood as replacing the governance, statutory responsibilities or decision-making authority of the participating institutions.
The Hub’s activities are distinct from work undertaken through Rand Water-funded Professorial Chairs. The Scope of Work expressly provides for these initiatives to be governed through separate mechanisms and processes, although Hub research may complement relevant research undertaken through a Professorial Chair where appropriate and approved.
Unless expressly authorised, statements published by or associated with the Hub should not be interpreted as representing the official policy or institutional position of Rand Water or the University of Pretoria.
Conflicts of interest
Members participating in governance and decision-making processes are expected to disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and to manage such conflicts in accordance with the policies and governance requirements applicable to the participating institutions.
Partnerships and external funding
The Hub actively seeks collaboration with universities, research organisations, government, water-sector institutions, communities, industry and national and international networks where these relationships advance its objectives.
The approved Scope of Work specifically envisages collaboration with WaterNet, Pan-African institutions and networks, and other international partners. It also provides for collaboration with other Rand Water units, including the Rand Water Academy, Rand Water Foundation and Water Wise.
External partnerships and funding arrangements are subject to appropriate institutional approval and may not compromise the integrity, independence or agreed identity of the RWRDIH@UP.