By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over the water and sanitation crisis plaguing Mogale City Local Municipality, calling for urgent intervention to address untreated sewage discharges into local water systems. This crisis has drawn widespread attention after a recent News24 report revealed alarming details about the municipality’s sewage issues, which the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has confirmed as “broadly accurate.”
The President’s call to action follows a disturbing trend of environmental degradation, with untreated sewage affecting the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya highlighted Ramaphosa’s disappointment with Mogale City’s apparent disregard for public health, the environment, and the economic stability of local communities. Magwenya emphasized that Ramaphosa expects immediate steps to be taken and accountability measures to be enforced.
Historical Context: A Long-Standing Issue
The sewage crisis in Mogale City has not emerged overnight. Since 2019, DWS has issued multiple directives to the municipality, urging it to address the rising sewage pollution in compliance with the National Water Act. Despite these warnings, local authorities have failed to act, leading to deteriorating water quality in rivers and dams. In August 2023, DWS filed criminal charges against Mogale City Municipality for violating sewage management regulations. The department is now working with law enforcement to advance the investigation.
The situation’s severity has raised concerns among environmental groups and residents alike. Raw sewage is being released into rivers, endangering aquatic ecosystems and presenting significant health risks to the surrounding communities. “This kind of environmental neglect is a threat not only to human health but also to our heritage and biodiversity,” said a DWS official.
The Impact on Public Health and Environment
The President’s concerns extend beyond the immediate pollution problem. Untreated sewage discharges present a severe risk to agriculture and local businesses that rely on clean water. Magwenya elaborated on this, stating, “The effects on public health, agriculture, and the environment are profound. For the President, this issue is an emergency that affects every citizen in Mogale City and beyond.”
The impact on the Cradle of Humankind is particularly distressing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of fossils and historical artifacts, shedding light on early human history. Pollution in this area could tarnish its reputation as a globally significant heritage site, potentially affecting tourism and educational research.
Local farmers have also raised alarms about the potential contamination of crops and livestock, with some fearing a loss of income due to the declining water quality. “Our livelihoods depend on clean water,” said a farmer from the area. “If the rivers are polluted, we can’t grow crops, and our cattle can’t drink.”
Presidential Intervention and the Role of Premier Lesufi
In response to these concerns, President Ramaphosa has penned a letter to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, urging him to intervene under section 139 of the South African Constitution. This section allows provincial governments to step in when municipalities fail to meet their constitutional obligations. Ramaphosa’s directive focuses on restoring functionality to the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant, a key facility that has fallen into disrepair and has been at the center of the sewage crisis.
Premier Lesufi’s role in the remediation process will be critical, as he holds the power to mobilize resources and ensure that the municipal leadership adheres to national water management standards. According to Magwenya, the President has also suggested exploring public-private partnerships to expedite repairs and improve infrastructure. Business stakeholders in the area have shown interest in supporting these efforts, recognizing that environmental sustainability is essential for long-term economic growth.
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