Ritshidze Nenweli, from South Africa, is a PhD student in earth sciences at Stellenbosch University dedicated to improving water resource management in South Africa. Her research focuses on downscaling GRACE satellite data to enhance groundwater monitoring in water-scarce regions, aiming to provide more reliable access to clean water, particularly for women and children. Water scarcity disproportionately affects women and children, who often bear the burden of collecting water, impacting their health, education, and opportunities.
Ritshidze’s work seeks to equip policymakers and local communities with tools to address these challenges through sustainable water management solutions. She has also published a paper titled "Is groundwater running out in the Western Cape, South Africa? Evaluating GRACE data to assess groundwater storage during droughts" in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies. In addition to her research, Ritshidze is committed to education and mentorship. She has tutored hydrogeology to undergraduates and assisted in field courses, helping students gain practical skills. Her dedication to knowledge-sharing is evident in her presentations at key conferences, such as the International Association of Hydrogeologists South Africa virtual conference and the 17th Biennial Groundwater Division Conference.
With support from the Margaret McNamara Education Grant and the South African National Research Foundation, Ritshidze can focus on her studies while working towards improving the lives of women and children in South Africa. She believes that access to clean water is vital for improving health, reducing poverty, and fostering opportunities for future generations.
