In a significant policy shift, the Department of Water and Sanitation is amending the National Water Act to hold mayors and municipal managers personally liable for the pollution of water resources. Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo announced the move during an oversight visit in Limpopo, where officials are testing water contamination levels and assessing infrastructure failures.
Crackdown on Polluters
Seitlholo emphasized that under current laws, municipalities—as juristic persons—face fines for pollution, but the financial burden ultimately falls on ratepayers. The proposed amendments aim to shift accountability directly to municipal leaders, ensuring they bear personal responsibility for negligence.
“We are amending the National Water Act to hold mayors and municipal managers personally accountable for the pollution of our water resources,” Seitlholo stated. “This will prevent taxpayers from continually footing the bill for mismanagement.”
Limpopo’s Water Crisis
Limpopo has emerged as a critical concern, with 78% of wastewater treatment plants either dysfunctional or in critical condition, leading to raw sewage contaminating rivers and dams. The Vaal River, already under strain, has suffered further degradation due to unchecked pollution.
The deputy minister highlighted a public-private partnership in Mokgalakwena, where platinum mines invested R260 million to rehabilitate a wastewater plant, demonstrating a potential model for other struggling municipalities.
National Rollout Planned
Seitlholo confirmed that similar inspections will extend nationwide, with Northern Cape assessments concluding by July. The department also plans a national anti-pollution campaign to engage stakeholders in safeguarding water resources.
Additionally, the government is introducing licenses for water service providers, allowing competent entities to take over failing municipal systems. This aims to professionalize water management and attract private investment.
Funding and Future Steps
With R130 billion allocated for water infrastructure over the next three years, the department seeks to address collapsing systems while reducing reliance on taxpayer funds.
“We must professionalize water services and incentivize investment,” Seitlholo urged. “The current state of mismanagement cannot continue.”
The proposed amendments will soon be submitted to Parliament, marking a pivotal step in South Africa’s battle against water pollution.