21 October 2026

The African National Congress (ANC) Study Group on Water and Sanitation expresses serious concern over the 408 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness affecting residents of Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding communities in the City of Tshwane, following the supply of unchlorinated water. The Study Group acknowledges the coordinated response demonstrated by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, her Deputy Minister, the Minister of Health and the senior leadership of the Gauteng Provincial Government during yesterday’s joint media briefing. This intervention is important in addressing the immediate public-health concerns, informing affected communities, and coordinating efforts to restore access to safe drinking water.

The reported findings of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s investigation, particularly the failure to chlorinate the water supply and the failure to timeously warn residents that the water was unsafe, raise serious concerns about municipal operational management, communication and accountability. Communities have a right to timely and accurate information about risks to their health, and such failures must be addressed.

The ANC Study Group calls on the City of Tshwane to provide regular updates on water quality, strengthen emergency water provision and urgently implement measures to restore a safe and reliable water supply. The immediate priority must be to prevent further illness and protect affected residents, particularly children and other vulnerable members of the community. This incident also highlights the urgent need to address infrastructure deficiencies and operational failures at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works. 

Critical equipment, water-treatment processes, quality-monitoring systems, and contingency arrangements require urgent attention. While emergency interventions are necessary, sustainable short-, medium- and long-term solutions must be implemented to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The proposed involvement of Rand Water should be supported by a clear implementation plan, defined responsibilities, and effective oversight.

The Study Group further calls for the transparent release of the ongoing investigation findings and appropriate accountability where negligence or non-compliance is established. Lessons from this incident must inform stronger preventative measures and improved coordination between the relevant spheres of government. Access to safe drinking water is fundamental to public health and human dignity. The protection of residents must remain paramount, and all responsible institutions must act with urgency, transparency, and accountability to restore public confidence and safeguard communities.

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS

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