Govt fix water and sanitation failures exposed by Green Drop Report

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Picture: Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 March 2026 – The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has released the 2025 Green Drop Report together with progress assessment reports on the Blue Drop and No Drop programmes on 31 March 2026, providing a comprehensive and evidence-based account of the state of water and sanitation services in South Africa.   

The department said Green Drop Report, which reflects a full audit of 848 municipal wastewater treatment systems for the 2023/24 financial year, presents a concerning picture of declining wastewater performance across the country. 

Addressing delegates, Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina said the report must be treated as a decisive moment for the sector. Majodina said the percentage of wastewater systems in a critical state has increased significantly from 39%, representing 334 systems in 2022, to 47%, representing 396 systems in 2025.

“At the same time, systems performing at excellent or good levels have declined from 14 percent, or 118 systems, to 8 percent, or 66 systems. Only 14 systems achieved Green Drop certification in 2025, down from 22 in 2022 (Those who comply with wastewater standards).

“These results show that systems previously operating at a poor level have continued to deteriorate into critical failure, placing increasing pressure on water resources, the environment and public health,” she said.

Majodina further said this report is not a routine compliance exercise, it lays bare the true state of wastewater management in the country and reflects how effectively they are protecting the water resources and safeguarding the dignity of their people. She added that the deterioration they are seeing is unacceptable and it demands urgent and sustained action.

“The Green Drop findings are complemented by the Blue Drop and No Drop Progress Assessment Reports, which provide further insight into drinking water quality and water use efficiency, respectively.

“While these two are not full assessments, they indicate that the risk profile for drinking water has stabilised, albeit at a high level,” said Majodina.

She said nationally, low-risk drinking water systems have increased marginally from 60.2% to 61.9%, while critical-risk systems have decreased from 9.9% to 7.9%. Majodina said despite these modest improvements, a significant number of systems.

“Department of Water and Sanitation South Africa remains in high and critical risk categories and requires urgent corrective action and intensified regulatory oversight. Furthermore, performance across provinces on drinking water quality remains uneven.

“The Western Cape and Gauteng continue to show the strongest overall performance, while Mpumalanga and North West have recorded notable improvements. However, the Northern Cape remains the poorest performing province, with the highest concentration of high and critical risk systems, and the Free State continues to be an area of serious concern,” she said.

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More than 10 000 households benefit from the R193 million South Far West Pipeline project

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Picture: DWS in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Mogale City Local Municipality and the MMC of Infrastructure, conducting an oversight visit at Dr Sefularo Housing Development Project in Hekpoort, Mogale City Local Municipality/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 March 2026 – As part of the National Water Month, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with Magalies Water and Moretele Local Municipality, officially launched the Moretele South Far West Pipeline on 30 March 2026, in a bid to ensure improved and reliable water supply to various villages and address previous challenges of inconsistent supply within Moretele Local Municipality (MLM).

The department said the City of Tshwane (CoT) has previously supplied water to Moretele Local Municipality through the Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW).

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Acting Provincial Head in North West, Caroline Shai said, however, due to increasing demand within the Hammanskraal area, CoT was unable to meet the water requirements of both areas, resulting in intermittent water supply to MLM. Shai said to address these water supply constraints, Magalies Water identified the need to provide a reliable and sustainable source of potable water.

“Subsequently, the Moretele South Bulk Water Supply (BWS) Project funded by DWS through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) schedule was initiated, with Magalies Water appointed as the Implementing Agent.

“The project aimed to develop a bulk distribution system to supply treated water from Klipdrift WTW to Carousel View, Bosplaas West, Mogogelo, and the Far Western systems of MLM,” she said.

Shai further said as part of the project, four bulk pipelines and a 25 megalitres command reservoir at Dilopye village were constructed to ensure adequate storage and reliable water supply. She added that all bulk pipe lines and Dilopye Reservoir have now been completed, including the Moretele South Far West Pipeline, which connects the reservoir to the Far West systems.

“Moretele South Far West project commenced on 10 July 2023 at the tune of R193 million and achieved practical completion on 02 February 2026.

“The project is now anticipated to supply potable water and improve the living conditions of approximately 43 518 residents across 10 880 households in the villages of Swartdam, Ga-Motla, Ratsiepang, Mmakaunyane, Noroki, Kromkuil and Moeka in Moretele Local Municipality,” said Shai.

She said the pipeline has a capacity to deliver 17 megalitres per day to cater for future demands. Shai said the scope of works for the Moretele South Far West Pipeline included the construction of 38 kilometres of a pipeline ranging from 500 mm to 600mm in diameter together with associated valves and fittings.

“It also included the construction of three steel water tanks, a concrete reservoir. Moretele Local Municipality has also completed 2 500 water reticulations to supply water to the yards in Mmotong, Mogogelo and Ratjiepane, extending further benefits to Swartdam, Norokie, Rabusula, Vuma, Moeka, Ga Mmotla, and Mmakaunyane.

“During the engagement with communities that converged at Ga Motla village, we realised that the project has brought improved access to clean and reliable water supply to the residents at their households,” she said.

However, Shai cautioned the communities to protect the critical infrastructure from vandalism.

“To launch this project is a very important milestone for the department because it will not only improve water supply but will also improve your lives.

“This project launch is also in alignment with this year’s theme of National Water Month, ‘Water’s Role in Gender Equality’ which highlights the critical role women play in households. Women ensure that children are bathed, families are fed, and homes are maintained – but without water, none of this is possible,” she said.

Shai said water is life and it is also very important for water infrastructure that brings that life to be projected and be kept free from being vandalised. She said they therefore appeal to them as the community to protect the critical infrastructure that will bring water supply sustainability and enhance their lives.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Moretele Local Municipality, George Manyike also welcomed the successful launch of the Moretele South Far West Pipeline by emphasising the importance of accountability and responsiveness to address challenges of water supply to the community. Manyike said the ward councillors must be equipped to respond to community concerns.

“Where there are gaps, matters should be escalated through the relevant municipal departments, including relevant national Departments so that matters can be addressed.

“We are therefore thankful to the Department of Water and Sanitation together with Magalies Water, that has brought a positive change to the people of Moretele, regarding improved and sustainable water supply,” he said.

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DPWR reviews professional development policy

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Picture: DPWR Head of Department in North West, Moses Kgantsi/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

31 March 2026 – The North West Department of Public Works and Roads is taking decisive steps to strengthen its long-term technical and professional capacity by reviewing its policy framework for the training and development of candidates and professionals within the department.

This strategic initiative follows an engagement led by the Head of Department (HOD), Moses Kgantsi at Seasons Wedding and Conference Centre in Mahikeng on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, with aspiring candidates and built-environment professionals, where the need for a structured, adequately funded professional development pipeline was highlighted as critical to the future of infrastructure delivery and service excellence.

Kgantsi said the policy review seeks to establish a sustainable framework to guide mentorship, workplace exposure, professional registration and the retention of scarce built-environment skills within the public sector. He further said these include professions such as engineering, quantity surveying, project management, and related technical disciplines that are central to the department’s service delivery mandate.

“Currently, the department has 24 candidates and has identified the need to intentionally build a pool of professionally registered candidates and professionals from within its own ranks.

“This intervention is expected to significantly improve the department’s ability to attract and retain technical professionals, reduce overreliance on external consultants, and ensure institutional memory and expertise remain within government,” said Kgantsi.

He added that the policy review initiative has long-term plans for the department. Kgantsi said they are deliberately laying the foundation for a professional and self-sustaining technical workforce within the department.

“By reviewing our policy framework and aligning funding toward candidate development and professional registration, we are investing in the future of public sector infrastructure delivery.

“Our intention is not only to attract scarce built-environment skills, but to retain them within government so that our communities continue to benefit from institutional expertise, continuity, and quality service delivery,” he said.

Kgantsi said the envisaged policy reforms will position the department as an employer of choice for young professionals and experienced practitioners, who are committed to serving communities of the North West.

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ANC PEC member and embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Morutse Molefe placed on precautionary suspension

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Picture: ANC PEC member in North West and embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Morutse Molefe

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 March 2026 – The ANC in North West has placed its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, who is also a mayor of the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Morutse Molefe on precautionary suspension. The ANC said its Provincial Working Committee (PWC) in its ordinary meeting convened on 30 March 2026, received a report concerning the conduct of Molefe during the 8th ANC Regional Conference in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region.

The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said after careful consideration, the ANC PWC is satisfied that the behaviour exhibited during the regional conference constitutes acts of misconduct as contemplated under Rule 25.17 of the ANC Constitution and Rule 104 of the adopted Conference Guidelines and Rebuilding Process. Diremelo said in terms of Rule 25.56 of the ANC Constitution, the PWC has resolved to place Molefe on immediate temporary suspension, pending the outcome of processes to be conducted by the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.

“It is important to note that Molefe will continue to serve as a public representative of the ANC in his capacity as the mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The organisation will, however, regulate his participation in official duties during the period of suspension.

“The Provincial Working Committee (PWC) has received a report on the current state of the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati regions. The terms of office for the leadership structures in these two regions have lapsed,” he said.

Diremelo further said in accordance with Rule 21.10 of the ANC Constitution, the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), through its appointed deployees, shall immediately exercise the powers of the Regional Executive Committees (RECs) until such time as the PEC makes a final determination on the matter. He added that the ANC remains committed to upholding the principles of accountability, integrity and proper conduct within its structures, ensuring that all members adhere to the highest standards of ethical and political conduct.

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Team North West shows its pedigree during SASA-II

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Picture: Team North West during SASA-II/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 March 2026 – The North West Province was crowned as the best province during the 2026 South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) Championships held on 23 – 27 March 2026, at White River and Mbombela in Mpumalanga Province. The North West Team obtained 3 top positions in the championship, which contributed to its dominance at the tournament.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the team walked away with top honours. Motsumi said on Blackball Pool (Snooker), the team occupied first position in both team events of Males and Females singles, first position in the Indoor Rowing with Johanna Dlamini, top position in the Female 500 metre and Ditebogo Tshoma obtained the best position in the Male 500 metre.

“Nonhlanhla Pine obtained the Best position in the Female 1 000 metre and Reitumetse Mpudi scooped the Best position in the Male 1000 metre, first position in Swimming whilst the province obtained the fourth position in Table Tennis and Hockey respectively.

“A total of 1800 participants (Athletes and Officials included) participated as part of the prestige event. The North West province through the Department of Education was represented by a team of 165 athletes and officials,” she said.

Motsumi further said the objective of the championship is to make a pathway for athletes with an Intellectual Impaired Disability to become eligible for the National South African team and thus become eligible for international participation. She congratulated the North West Team for obtaining the overall position in the SASA II Championship.

“On behalf of the department l take this time to congratulate Team North West for obtaining the overall top position during the tournament. We are extremely proud of our learners who represented our province.

“The participation of learners in sport reflects the power of sport as a unifying force and platform for sport to remain a critical pillar in the holistic development of learners beyond the classroom,” she added.

Motsumi said she wishes to thank the teachers, who are hard at work training these learners to be the best in extra-curricular activities. She said that also goes to parents for allowing their children to participate in different sporting codes.

“Our primary objective is to give learners a platform to shine and express themselves in all the co-curricular programmes.

“The North West Province is expected to host the South African Special Olympics on 26 June 2026, which will serve as the national team selection event for the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) World Games in Chile in 2027,” said Motsumi.

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A man nabbed for murder, attempted murder and arson

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By STAFF REPORTER

31 March 2026 – A man (37) was arrested by the police in connection with murder, attempted murder, and arson incident that occurred in Mogwase earlier this month. The police said following thorough investigations, the suspect was traced and arrested on 30 March 2026, in the Zeerust area through a coordinated effort involving detectives, K9, and crime prevention units.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Anne Magakoe said the suspect is expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, on charges of murder, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their swift response and dedication, stating that the arrest demonstrates SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to justice.

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Romance scam victim rescued, two suspects nabbed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 March 2026 – Two Ugandan nationals, Nasifu Besigye (39) and Laban Mucwa (53), were arrested by The Hawks’ members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Mahikeng Flying Squad on 28 March 2026, for alleged fraud. The Hawks said the reports indicate that the police received information about a Gauteng-based woman who was allegedly held against her will in Mmabatho with the intention of withdrawing all her pension money.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the team operationalised the information and proceeded to the address where the victim was allegedly kept. Mathebula said on arrival, the police raided the place and reportedly found the victim in the presence of two men.

“The victim was allegedly lured by her boyfriend, Laban Mucwa, whom she met on Facebook to travel to Mmabatho. It is reported that the victim was taken to a house in Mmabatho, where she was ordered by her boyfriend to speak to her ancestors in a prayer room to have her pension money doubled.

“The victim reportedly went to the bank to withdraw R1 million and handed it over to her boyfriend. The accused appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 30 March 2026, and were remanded in custody. Their matter was postponed to 31 March 2026, for services of an interpreter,” he said.

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Leeuwbosch Farm employee killed by a lion

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Picture: A lion attacked and killed an employee at Leeuwbosch Farm/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 March 2026 – The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of an employee who tragically lost his life following a lion attack at a private wildlife facility at Leeuwbosch Farm, near Setlagole village. Lenkopane said the incident reportedly occurred on 24 March 2026, while the employee was performing his duties at the facility.

She further said the preliminary report received by the Department’s Biodiversity Management officials, showed that the incident took place inside the lion enclosure area. Lenkopane added that the matter has since been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and an inquest docket has been opened at Setlagole Police Station.

“Officials from the Department have visited the site and are working with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We would like to convey our sympathies to the bereaved family and call for strict adherence to wildlife safety protocols.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Facilities that work with dangerous wildlife have a responsibility to ensure that safety measures are strictly followed to protect employees and visitors,” said Lenkopane.

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An outcry over illegal mining, unauthorised wash plants and regulatory gaps

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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on (DEDECT), Mpho Khunou/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 March 2026 – The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing number of illegal mining activities and unauthorised chrome wash plants operating across the province, particularly in the Bojanala and Madibeng areas.

The concerns emerged during an engagement between the Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), where several regulatory, environmental and enforcement challenges were highlighted.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on (DEDECT), Mpho Khunou said they noted with concern that the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) regulations are allegedly being abused due to regulatory gaps and grey areas relating to the authorisation and regulation of chrome wash plants. Khunou said the committee has requested the department to take it through the regulations clause by clause and outline recommendations to address the regulatory gaps, including whether amendments to Section 24G of NEMA or new regulations are required.

“The committee further raised concerns about the environmental impact of illegal wash plants, including water pollution, illegal discharge into rivers, air pollution, land degradation and unsafe excavations, which negatively affect communities and municipal infrastructure.

“Members also expressed concern that illegal mining activities continue despite existing legislation, and that enforcement actions rarely lead to prosecutions and convictions,” he said.

Khunou said according to the department, approximately 70 chrome wash plants have been inspected in the 2025/26 financial year, of which about 30 were found to be operating without environmental authorisation. He further said the department has opened seven criminal cases with SAPS and issued several pre-compliance notices to operators, some of whom have committed to apply for rectification in terms of Section 24G of NEMA.

“However, the committee raised concern over delays in payment of fines, appeals processes, and the slow pace of enforcement. The committee also raised serious concerns about the department’s limited capacity, noting that there are currently only three compliance inspectors in the Bojanala District, which is insufficient to monitor the increasing number of mining and wash plant operations in the area.

“Another major concern raised was the lack of coordination between government institutions responsible for enforcement, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, Water and Sanitation, municipalities, Traditional Authorities and other regulatory bodies,” added Khunou.

He said the committee noted that fragmented enforcement and poor coordination contribute to the continued operation of illegal mining activities and unauthorised wash plants. Khunou said some concerns were also highlighted that many wash plant operations are allegedly run by foreign nationals operating illegally in the country, and called for intensified joint operations involving Home Affairs and the Department of Labour to address illegal operators and labour compliance issues.

“Furthermore, the committee raised concerns about delays in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application processes, poor quality submissions by consultants, non-compliance with licence conditions and allegations of corruption and bribery in licensing and inspection processes.

“The committee requested the department to provide full details on fines issued, operators involved, compliance notices issued, and timelines for ensuring that illegal operations are either compliant or shut down,” he said.

Khunou said the situation relating to illegal mining and unauthorised wash plants in the North West is extremely concerning. He said communities are suffering environmental damage, water pollution and unsafe mining activities, while the province is not benefiting economically from these operations.

“We are particularly concerned about regulatory gaps, lack of enforcement capacity and poor coordination between institutions. The Committee will continue to push for stronger regulations, improved enforcement, a full audit of mining activities in the province and better coordination among all government departments involved,” said Khunou.

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IDAC not targeting SAPS senior officials

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By REGINALD KANYANE

31 March 2026 – The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) condemns the false allegations circulated on social media platforms, insinuating that IDAC is deliberately targeting SAPS Senior officials, following the arrest of 12 senior police officers and summons being served to the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola in relation to an alleged irregular contract that was awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter.

NPA, has from the onset, indicated that this matter was referred to the IDAC in 2024, wherein investigations were conducted.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said it is also imperative to note that this matter was referred to IDAC by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit for investigation, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered. Mamothame said it is therefore irresponsible and reckless for certain formations of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were as a result of submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner on 06 June 2025.

“The IDAC respects the work done by the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee and will abide by the recommendations that will follow. Furthermore, such false narratives seek to create divisions within the law enforcement fraternity, at a time where South Africans demand to see the wheels of justice in motion in a manner that is collaborative to fight the criminals and not each other.

“Society also demands to see all law enforcement agencies collaborating in the fight against corruption, something that the IDAC seeks to honour in all of its work and engagements,” he said.

Mamothame further said the IDAC, like many other law enforcement agencies, is not a law unto itself as has been portrayed by the false narratives circulated. He added that a judge was appointed to oversee and ensure that there is compliance and accountability on how the division operates.

“This also affords every member of society a platform to report any improper action by any official within the division, including the Investigating Director. Society should therefore be vigilant not to fall prey to false narratives created to destabilize the fight against corruption.

“The attacks and baseless speculations also have the potential to place the lives of the officials working in these complex cases and the Investigating Director and their families at risk,” said Mamothame.

He said despite this, the IDAC cannot afford to allow itself to be deterred from discharging its constitutional mandate to the best of its abilities, within the prescriptions of the law. Mamothame said the IDAC calls on all South Africans to allow the law to take its course and to follow all court processes, where all evidence relating to the Medicare 24 case and all other cases within its radar will be ventilated.

“The IDAC as an important division within the NPA, prescribes to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice. Every action that has been taken followed all the due processes of the law. The arrests are based on the evidence at hand. 

“The view shared by certain individuals that others should have been charged is unfortunate as IDAC had to deal with the matters within its space and the evidence it contains.  The issues relating to other persons arose at the Madlanga Commission and as and when same are referred to IDAC, same will be acted upon without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.

Mamothame said in relation to the arrests, no rules were flouted in arresting the accused in the Medicare 24 matter and any other matter where the accused were summoned to appear before court. He said the process followed was lawful in all aspects.

“Crime cannot be allowed to flourish and IDAC, in discharging its mandate, seeks to prevent this as best it can,” said Mamothame.

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