As water technology and water utility services company Nafasi Water celebrates its rebranding after its acquisition, CEO Suzie Nkambule speaks about the newly revamped strategy and focus moving forward.

Nafasi, owned and led by Nkambule, is beginning a new chapter of sustained growth following a successful acquisition by Infinity Partners in 2019 from the Aveng group of companies.

Infinity Partners is jointly held by investment manager E-Squared Investments and Nkambule, who was the-then Aveng Water MD.

Speaking to Engineering News, she says that its relaunch can be considered the official reset and a way for the company to showcase its reshaped identity and approach going forward.

“This past year has been our watershed moment in many ways, and the challenges that the infrastructure sector has faced in recent years have also presented opportunities for the industry to adapt,” she says.

Aveng Water was officially rebranded to Nafasi Water in September, following its acquisition in the second quarter of 2019.

Moving forward, the company now aims to focus on developing the water sector’s capacity and meaningfully drive developments that bring a water-secure future closer.

In Southern Africa, water scarcity is an increasing concern for both industry and communities, and the prioritisation of water as an economic enabler and strategic sector for investment and job creation is crucial.

The formulation of practical sustainable interventions in both supply and resource preservation is essential to improving water security.

“In the medium term, our goal is to grow our base of operational assets that deliver reliable water and sanitation services to industry and the public.

“We are working with all the key stakeholders to develop impactful water and sanitation projects and a broader industry framework for growth,” Nkambule continues.

A key priority area is Nafasi’s water reclamation and desalination technology for applications in complex industrial and wastewater systems.

Its proprietary HiPRO reverse-osmosis mine water treatment process provides new supplies of potable water while also restoring balance in the natural environment by limiting the impact of polluted water through effective treatment.

The success of HiPRO has been demonstrated at the water reclamation plants of Anglo American Thermal Coal/BHP Billiton, in eMalahleni; Optimum Coal, in Hendrina, Mpumalanga; and South 32, in Middelburg.

“We aim to sustainably reclaim water affected by industrial and human activities through combining innovative technology with the funding and delivery of world-class water and wastewater treatment projects and services.”

The company also operates a desalination project 30 km north of Swakopmund, in Namibia, owned by Orano Resources.

The company’s desalination treatment plant solutions will promote industrial and mining opportunities in coastal areas.

These solutions are also well suited to alleviating water shortages in environmentally sensitive areas.

In addition to Nafasi’s water infrastructure investment ambitions, the group plans to assist municipalities in sustaining long-term, potable water supply for domestic consumption and treating wastewater discharges to the required standards.

“Nafasi Water is committed to providing sustainable solutions and looks forward to partnering with municipalities as they build, repair and upgrade their water infrastructure to meet future demand,” Nkambule notes.

“Our goal is to grow our base of operational assets that deliver reliable water and sanitation services to industry and the public. We are working with all the key stakeholders to develop impactful water and sanitation projects and a broader industry framework for growth,” she continues.

Nafasi has committed to becoming a strategic player by consistently investing in innovative methods geared to dealing with water challenges that lead to conservation and repurposing.