Assures Seshego Residents Water Is Safe Amid Diarrhoea Concerns
By Mpho Moloi
In a hands-on move to calm fears, Polokwane’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Makoro John Mpe, went straight to Seshego to tackle rumours of water contamination head-on.
Speaking to the media and locals on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Mpe stressed that being visible and answerable is key when people’s health is on the line.
This comes after reports of diarrhoea cases sparked worry about the area’s water supply. The mayor made it clear that quick steps were taken, and science backs up that the municipal water is not the cause.
To drive the message home, he even took a sip of the water in front of everyone, showing his trust in its safety. With ongoing checks and a borehole shut down as a safeguard, Mpe called for calm and facts over guesses.
This event highlights how local leaders are stepping up to rebuild trust in tough times, especially with heavy rains adding to water woes.
The situation in Seshego has grabbed attention, with some linking health issues to the taps. But official word from health experts says there is no tie, easing some fears while pushing for better hygiene all round.
Mayor’s Direct Response: Visibility and Quick Action
Mpe did not shy away from the spotlight, heading to Seshego to speak face-to-face with residents and reporters. He said leadership means showing up when things get rough, especially on health matters.
“Let me be clear from the outset… we acted immediately; not tomorrow, not after pressure, but the moment these concerns were brought to our attention,” Mpe said.
He explained that whispers of dirty water and diarrhoea cases were taken very seriously, leading to fast moves by the city team. To prove his point on safety, Mpe drank from the municipal supply right there, with no tricks or filters.
This bold act was meant to show confidence and stop the spread of unproven stories. He added that the city is working closely with health teams to keep watch, making sure any real risks get fixed quick.
This visit came after a borehole in the area was shut off due to murky water from recent heavy rains. Mpe promised no shortcuts with lives at stake, saying: “We will not gamble with lives. We will not wait for crises to deepen before we act.”
No Link to Health Cases: Science Over Rumours
Mpe was firm on basing everything on facts, not talk. He pointed to a fresh update from the Limpopo Department of Health, which looked into the diarrhoea reports and found no connection to the city’s water.
They also confirmed no kids have died from water-related sickness, putting to rest some of the scarier claims.
He warned against jumping to conclusions, saying: “Conclusions must be based on science and verified facts.” Tests showed high murkiness in one borehole, so the whole Seshego water setup was paused for a deep clean and flush.
That borehole is now out of use, with plans for a new treatment setup to make sure water stays clear even after big rains.
All boreholes linked to the network are off for now, but Mpe assured folks there will be no shortages.
Continuous tests are happening, with samples checked often by health pros. He urged people to stick to official news and report worries straight to the city, not spread unchecked info online.
Criticism and Calls for Better Hygiene
Not everyone is convinced. Opposition group ActionSA has slammed Mpe, saying he is not taking the risks seriously enough and putting lives at risk.
They called for quicker fixes and more openness on water tests, arguing that even if no direct link is found, the worries show deeper issues with upkeep.
Mpe hit back by focusing on prevention. He encouraged good habits like washing hands, boiling water if unsure, and staying alert in spots with lots of people. With rainy season bringing more germs, he said everyone has a role in staying healthy.
The health department backed this, noting the diarrhoea cases are likely from gastroenteritis, common this time of year, but not tied to the taps. No outbreak has been declared, and cases are being tracked closely.
Broader Water Woes in Limpopo and South Africa
This Seshego scare is part of bigger water troubles in Limpopo and across the country. Heavy rains often muddy supplies, especially from boreholes, leading to short shutdowns.
Polokwane has faced similar gripes before, with residents in places like Seshego complaining about cloudy or off-tasting water after storms.
Nationally, water quality is a hot topic, with many areas dealing with old pipes, pollution, and dry spells.
Government pushes for upgrades, but cash and weather make it tough. In Seshego, the new treatment plant plan aims to fix this long-term, making the system tougher against rain.
Mpe wrapped up by promising ongoing updates:
“As your Executive Mayor, I give you this assurance: we are monitoring this situation closely, we are strengthening our systems, and we will continue to communicate openly as verified information becomes available.”
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