Bronkhorstspruit water crisis prompts investigation into City of Tshwane

Image credit: Dr Nasiphi Moya/Facebook

According to SANews.gov, the Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA) will investigate the City of Tshwane for alleged maladministration, improper conduct, and prejudice related to the water crisis.

The call for the probe follows 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness reported in the area after residents consumed contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW).

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“Failed to chlorinate water

The PPSA said it received complaints from a Member of Parliament, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe, and Willie Spies, the regional leader of the Freedom Front Plus.

“In her complaint, Maotwe alleged that the city failed to chlorinate water supplied to residents by the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant between 24 September and 14 October 2026.

“She also alleged that the city failed to warn residents that the water was unsafe for consumption during this period, resulting in 408 people, most of them children under the age of four, falling ill.

“Maotwe further alleged that the city ran out of chlorine due to difficulties experienced with its chlorine supplier,” continued a statement from the PPSA.

“Spies, in his complaint, called on the PPSA to investigate alleged maladministration and improper conduct by the city, including the alleged failure to escalate critical information to senior management, inadequate oversight at the water treatment plant and the failure to warn residents about the safety of the water,” added the PPSA.

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Health risks

Subsequently, investigators from the PPSA’s office visited the treatment plant to “verify the allegations and establish what interim measures had been put in place to protect residents from unsafe water”.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will also visit Bronkhorstspruit as part of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Water and Sanitation, which Mashatile chairs.

During the visit, Mashatile will assess progress in addressing the crisis and engage with the City of Tshwane and relevant government departments to reinforce the importance of coordinated action, effective oversight, and accountability in ensuring access to safe and reliable water.

“The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the water supply and the potential health risks to communities. The engagement will provide an opportunity to receive updates on the condition of affected residents and the healthcare response,” the Presidency said.