Committee alarmed over water quality failures amid AG report

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Picture: A woman drawing water from the tap/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) raised alarm over failures in water quality and warned that non-compliance with drinking water and wastewater standards may harm communities. The committee received a briefing from the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) on its audits of the water sector.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize said the findings show, among other things, critical weaknesses, particularly in infrastructure maintenance. Mkhize said the committee heard that municipalities are spending far below required benchmarks on maintenance, with the vast majority failing to meet minimum standards.

He further said as a result, water losses remain extremely high, water quality continues to deteriorate and wastewater treatment systems are failing at scale. Mkhize added that the AG’s findings are very concerning, particularly findings on the deteriorating quality of water services in many municipalities.

“The health risks of poor water treatment and contamination. This has a direct impact on the health of communities. In urban settings, failures in water treatment systems heighten the risk of outbreaks such as cholera and pollution, as well as diseases such as dysentery.

“The committee also raised concerns about huge water losses. The statistics provided by the AG indicate a loss of approximately 56% of treated water. This, the committee noted, reflects deep systemic inefficiencies,” he said.

Mkhize said literally, of the water that has been treated, they lose more than they actually use and that is a matter of serious concern. He said the committee flagged the growing reliance on water tankers amid persistent water disruptions.

“The committee noted that expenditure on this is estimated at R2.3 billion and cautioned that water tankers, intended as a short-term emergency intervention, are increasingly being used as a substitute for reliable infrastructure.

“Some members noted allegations of tampering with water systems to create demand for tankers. These allegations require focused attention, they noted. The committee will focus its oversight on three critical areas, including poor accountability, inadequate institutional capacity and inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure,” said Mkhize.

He said these are the underlying drivers of the failures observed across the water value chain. Mkhize said the committee noted that the AG’s report contains a clear call to action.

“The AG highlights the need for stronger oversight, better coordination across all spheres of government, increased investment in maintenance and stronger consequence management.

“The committee also noted that this call comes as the current trajectory will continue to undermine reliable access to safe water. This will place increasing pressure on communities and the economy,” he said.

Mkhize said in this context, the committee indicated that its oversight work will include engagements with the Department of Water and Sanitation and specific municipalities with challenges. He said, however, noted that more preparatory work is required.

“This will help ensure discussions in the planned meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation are focused and address concrete problem areas.

“We need to do a bit more work before we can have such a meeting, so that we can focus on specific municipalities and avoid having a discussion that is all over the show,” said Mkhize.

He said the committee further reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across all spheres of government to strengthen accountability and improve water service delivery.

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Committee welcomes suspension of Fort Hare University’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu  

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie said he has noted the decision by the Council of the University of Fort Hare to place its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension. Letsie said they welcome the decisive action taken by the Council of Fort Hare to enforce consequence management without fear or favour.

“We further welcome the unanimous decision by Council that disciplinary action against the Vice-Chancellor was necessary. An investigation revealed that four senior managers failed to comply with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the university statute, in that council approval was not obtained when the appointment of the Executive Director: People Management and Engagement was made.

“We are hoping that this process will be concluded speedily so that the university can get back to its core functions, which is teaching and learning. We wish the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, well in guiding the university during this period and we urge all the university community to rally behind her and also focus on matters that will bring students forward,” he said.

Letsie further said Fort Hare has been through a lot in recent years, and they are hopeful that every stakeholder will play their part in ensuring that there are no more disruptions.

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Portfolio Committee on COGTA to meet FSPG

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By STAFF REPORTER

1 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is convening a follow-up meeting today with the Free State Provincial Government to assess progress on challenges and issues identified during an oversight visit in July 2025. In the meeting, the province will report on the implementation of the committee’s oversight recommendations.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize said the committee will focus on practical steps the province has taken to address systemic weaknesses across its municipalities. Mkhize said this includes persistent audit disclaimers, unfunded budgets, weak financial controls and the continued prevalence of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in these municipalities.

“Members are also expected to enquire into commitments to strengthen consequence management, fill critical vacancies and stabilise municipal leadership and administration.

“Another key priority will be the progress on investigations into allegations of corruption, maladministration and political interference,” he said.

Mkhize further said the meeting will take place virtually on 1 April 2o26 at 11am.

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High density operations executed in JTG District

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Picture: Police during roadblock/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER  

1 April 2026 – Operation Paseka’s disruptive actions commenced in the Northern Cape, to ensure safety and security during the Easter holiday period and beyond. With more boots on the ground in the Kuruman, Mothibistad and Batlharos Policing areas, efforts were intensified to clamp down on crime in the respective areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Constable Thabo Fourie said crime prevention operations commenced on 23 until 30 March 2026. Fourie said the disruptive actions included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and search, house raiding, compliance inspections and suspect tracing.

“During the operation, 20 liquor outlets were inspected, 9 houses were raided, drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized.

“More than 483 vehicles were stopped and searched, while 40 J534s were issued for various traffic violations. More than 1823 persons were stopped and searched during which 5 persons were arrested for crimes, including armed robbery,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Deputy Police Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, encouraged the police to continue their fight against crime as mandated by Section 205(3) of the Constitution. Besnaar applauded the police for their relentless efforts in addressing crime in the affected areas in order to restore the confidence of the community in the police by executing intensified actions.

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Motorists urged to buckle-up ahead of Easter Holiday

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Picture: Law enforcement agencies during the launch of Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1April 2026 – The acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi together with the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, joined the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi at the launch of the 2026 Easter Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign in Hopetown, in Pixley Ka Seme District on 31 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary parade was conducted and addressed by Koloi. Shemane said the representatives from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Traffic Officials, SAPS, Thembelihle Local Municipality and various Taxi Associations, Entities and Stakeholders, attended the official programme at the Steynville Primary School in Hopetown prior to the roadblock.

“The purpose of the event was outlined by Rodney Pieterse, the Head of Department for Transport, Safety and Liaison. Pieterse emphasised the theme of the launch: “Road Safety Begins With Me”.

Mphuthi informed participants and stakeholders that SAPS is aware that the easter period is usually coupled with road accidents and carnage. She further said law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during these peak times when there is an increase in the volume of traffic on the roads, prioritising road safety.

“The SAPS will intensify and strengthen police visibility that is already existing. This is ongoing efforts during the Easter holidays and beyond.

“SAPS urge all road users to plan their journeys responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety,” said Mphuthi.

She said in line with the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, SAPS will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. Mphuthi added that SAPS encourages all road users to take personal responsibility for their safety, buckle up and avoid dangerous overtaking.

“If we reflect on the theme for the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign: “Road Safety Begins With Me”, it places emphasis on personal accountability for road safety, aiming to reduce fatalities by encouraging every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take responsibility for themselves.

“The Safer Easter Holidays operation, known as Operation Paseka is running parallel to Operation Shanela 2 and it commenced on 15 March 2026 until 15 April 2026, focusing on the safety and security of all citizens including those utilizing our roads,” she said.

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Two suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs and money confiscated during raids/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

1 April 2026 – The Namakwa District Task Team in collaboration with the Springbok Public Order Policing (POP) Unit made two drug-related arrests in Nababeep on 28 March 2026, as part of Operation Paseka – Safer Easter Holidays. In the first incident at approximately 11:10pm, the police executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Bostreet, Nababeep.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon arrival, the male occupant (38) was observed discarding a white tablet container in his backyard. Magerman said the container was recovered and found to contain ziplock bags of suspected tik and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also found.

“Subsequently, a suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. In the second unrelated incident at approximately 11:45pm, the police conducting crime prevention patrols in Vredehoek also in Nababeep, observed a man fleeing upon sighting the police vehicle.

“During the pursuit, the suspect (23) discarded an item, which was recovered and found to contain ziplock bags of suspected tik. During the search, the money was also seized,” he said.

Magerman further said a suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. He added that both suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, the SAPS in the Namakwa District said it has reaffirmed their commitment in stamping down the authority of the state by adopting a zero-tolerance approach and not negotiating with any criminal. The police said Operation Safer Easter Holidays will continue with heightened patrols and targeted disruptive actions.

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Two men sentenced to a combined 20 years imprisonment for stealing groceries and clothes in separate cases   

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 April 2026 – A man (35) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Victoria-West Regional Court for housebreaking and theft. The accused, Chrisjan Loof was sentenced after clothes and groceries worth R12 470 were found in his possession.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the complainant and his colleague on 13 February 2026, returned from work when they discovered their premises was broken into. Shemane said Loof was found hiding inside the house with groceries and clothes of the complainant packed in his travelling bag.

“The police were summoned and a case was opened. The accused was then arrested. Bail was denied and Loof remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.

“In an unrelated housebreaking and theft case, also in Victoria-West, on 7 March 2026, the complainant found his premises broken into and entry gained through the window,” he said.

Shemane further said the neighbour saw the accused roaming around in the vicinity. He added that the complainant reported the incident to the police, a case was opened and the accused was traced and arrested.

“In his possession, the police found the stolen property, groceries worth R991.78, which belonged to the complainant. The accused abandoned his bail application and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

“On 26 March 2026, Marius Frieslaar (42) was convicted and sentenced to ten years imprisonment for housebreaking and theft in the Victoria-West Regional Court,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Mokitimi for his thorough investigative work which resulted in the accused being incarcerated for their crimes and appreciated the quick finalization of the cases within a short period of time.

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Newly-elected ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region calls for inclusivity

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Picture: The newly-elected ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 April 2026 – The newly-elected ANCYL regional leadership in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region said the 6th ANCYL Regional Congress outlined guidance on the significance of strengthening and building capacity amongst youth by emphasising the importance of political education and academic excellence. The structure said inclusion of youth in all corridors of developments is the answer towards a total transformation of society.

ANCYL regional secretary, Kagiso Kgabo said they have declared a war on the triple challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality. Kgabo said a fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) must continue and each young person be an ‘agent of change’.

“They must be prepared to stand against all odds, fight drug abuse, crime and discrimination that are institutionalized due to cliques.

“We also recommend that the ANC renewal project be led by extraordinary individuals with moral ethics and inspiration to our communities. Therefore, we endorse the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong as a potential candidate to serve the ANC in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region as regional chairperson,” he said.

Kgabo further said they also endorse Tshidi Moreane for regional secretary position. He added that additional members should be him, Thabo Ngono and Lebogang Medupe.

“The name of Lazarus Mokgosi should be supported for the position of ANC provincial chair to avoid two centred of power, which derails the implementation of our manifesto and progression of service delivery.

“We call on Mokgosi to be supported in the quest of uniting the province. The congress further reflected on the Mocha-Palong programme as a critical intervention of the ANCYL

aimed ensuring the meaningful placement of young people in positions of responsibility within government and local municipalities,” said Kgabo.

He said while acknowledging that the programme has experienced its own shortcomings and challenges in implementation, they reaffirm that Mocha-Palong remains a strategic and necessary initiative in advancing generational missions.

“It must not be reduced to a vehicle for patronage or self-enrichment, but rather be strengthened to produce disciplined, capable and ideologically grounded cadres of the movement.

“These young cadres must possess both the capacity and revolutionary consciousness to lead with integrity, drive service delivery, and fundamentally improve the living conditions of our communities,” said Kgabo.

He said the ANCYL therefore commits to ensuring that the programme is sophisticated, monitored and aligned with the core values of the movement. Kgabo said this will ensure that it truly serves the people and not narrow interests for individuals.

“ANCYL declares support for all young people to contribute to local government with maximum requirements necessary. We believe that the upcoming Local Government Election outcomes in the region will reflect the inclusion of youth in all municipalities.

“We want capable and qualified young people to form partof municipal Troika in three municipalities  out of 5. We are calling for an integrated path. Young people are a better solution to our existing societal problems,” he said.

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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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