01.09.2026
Recently, Wilo South Africa had the privilege of visiting the University of Pretoria, where we spent time engaging with engineering students through a technical knowledge-sharing session
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers: Wilo Visits the University of Pretoria
At Wilo, we believe that building a sustainable future goes beyond delivering innovative pumping solutions. It also means investing in the next generation of engineers who will one day design, develop, and manage the infrastructure that keeps communities, industries, and economies moving.
The session offered students a unique opportunity to see how the engineering principles they learn in the classroom are applied to solve real-world water management challenges, providing practical insight into the opportunities and complexities of the sector.
Sharing the Wilo Story - The session began with an introduction to Wilo's global journey and our role in shaping the future of water movement.
Students were introduced to Wilo's rich heritage of more than 150 years of engineering excellence, as well as our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy-efficient technologies. We shared how our solutions support critical infrastructure around the world, helping municipalities, industries, mines, and commercial facilities manage one of the world's most valuable resources: water.
Beyond products and technology, the discussion focused on the increasingly important role engineering plays in addressing challenges such as urban growth, water scarcity, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure development.
One of the highlights of the presentation was showcasing how Wilo technologies are applied in real-world environments.
Students were introduced to a range of pumping solutions used across the water management and industrial sectors, including wastewater and drainage systems, pressure boosting solutions, dewatering applications, borehole pumps, multistage pumps, and industrial process pumps.
Rather than simply discussing products, the session focused on the practical challenges these technologies help solve every day. From moving water in municipal networks and supporting industrial processes to managing wastewater and ensuring reliable water supply, students gained an appreciation for the critical role pumps play in modern society.
The discussion reinforced an important engineering principle: selecting the right solution is not only about meeting a technical requirement but also about achieving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability over the planned life cycle.
Mr. Peet Greyling, Senior Project Engineer at Wilo, who led the discussion, emphasized that engineering is about far more than simply selecting equipment. It requires a deep understanding of how systems operate, interact, and evolve over time to ensure long-term performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
To bring this concept to life, Wilo presented a practical example demonstrating the relationship between system curves and pump performance curves.
By understanding hydraulic principles and anticipating future growth, engineers can design systems that remain efficient, reliable, and resilient for years to come.
The session also provided students with a glimpse into the digital tools that are transforming modern engineering.
A live demonstration of Wilo Select 6 showcased how engineers can use advanced selection software to evaluate operating conditions, compare solutions, assess efficiency levels, and make more informed design decisions.
As digitalization continues to reshape the engineering landscape, tools like Wilo Select 6 are becoming increasingly valuable in supporting smarter and more sustainable decision-making.
Looking Ahead - Our visit to the University of Pretoria reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and industry.
By sharing practical experience, innovative technologies, and engineering best practices, we can help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications while supporting the development of future engineering professionals.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the University of Pretoria, the faculty members, and the engineering students who participated in the session. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement made the experience both meaningful and rewarding.
At Wilo, we remain committed to supporting engineering education, fostering innovation, and contributing to the sustainable development of South Africa's water infrastructure. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of engineers.
