Extraordinary impact: bringing water to Africa

In presenting the Bertie Lubner Humanitarian Award to Sivan Yaari at the 25th Absa Jewish Achiever Awards on 17 November, Marc Lubner said, “The recipient of tonight’s award is a very ordinary individual who has done really extraordinary things.”

Since 2008, Yaari, the chief executive and founder of non-profit organisation Innovation: Africa, has had a simple mission: to ensure that rural Africans have water and power. She has since brought fresh water and lights to 10 African countries, having an impact on the lives of more than five million people.

“The main challenge in Africa is the lack of energy, and because of this, people are suffering. Yet, the sun exists, the water exists, and with only a few solar panels, we can make a change,” Yaari said in a video in the lead-up to her award.

“We have brought solar energy to power schools, medical centres, and most importantly, to pump water in rural African villages. Once we bring clean water to a village, everything changes. The children go to school, fewer people are sick, but what inspires us the most is when we get back to a village and see irrigation, agriculture, brick-making, we see economic independence!” she said, “It’s about creating communities that become self-sustainable.”

Natie Kirsh, who also featured in the tribute video showcasing Yaari’s work in Africa, said, “Sivan is an inspiration to all. I cannot tell you the joy that this clean water has brought to hundreds of people.”

Yaari couldn’t receive her award in person because although she was en route to South Africa to do so, she had to turn back to Israel following news that her father-in-law had passed away.

Accepting the award on her behalf, Rabbi Shmuel Moffson read out Yaari’s words of thanks to the Jewish community of South Africa. “This room is full of people who I consider to be my closest family,” she said. “The Lubners have so kindly given me this honour. The Kirsh family have been the driving force behind Innovation: Africa, and have walked this journey with me for so many years. I’m looking forward to being at next year’s Absa Jewish Achiever Awards to accept this award in person and to share my appreciation with the South African community. My heart is sore, but my mission is clear. Let’s do this together, with thanks and blessings, Sivan.”