- The South African Human Rights Commission raised alarm over contaminated water linked to more than 400 gastrointestinal illness cases in Bronkhorstspruit
- The SAHRC has been investigating water supply complaints in the area since May 2026, but warned the situation appeared to have worsened
- The Public Protector also launched a separate investigation into the City of Tshwane's handling of the ongoing contamination crisis
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GAUTENG — The South African Human Rights Commission has formally urged the City of Tshwane to take immediate action over a water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, following reports of more than 400 gastrointestinal illness cases among residents in the far east of Pretoria.
The outbreak has been linked to unchlorinated water supplied from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, where E. coli was previously detected. The SAHRC warned that the continued distribution of potentially contaminated water posed a serious threat to public health and required urgent intervention.
SAHRC warns situation has deteriorated
The commission has been probing water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit since May 2026, focusing on systemic failures behind persistent supply interruptions in the area. Despite that ongoing inquiry, the SAHRC said conditions appeared to have worsened rather than improved.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi described the continued reports as deeply troubling.
"Although the outcome of the inquiry has not yet been released, it is concerning to learn that the situation remains unresolved, despite the concerns having been raised during the inquiry and through the Commission's ongoing investigation," Baloyi said.
Baloyi added that the matter demanded urgent and decisive action, stating that safe drinking water and the protection of public health could not be put on hold.
See statement posted on X here:
City of Tshwane faces pressure to intervene
The SAHRC called on the City of Tshwane to act without delay to prevent further harm and potential loss of life among Bronkhorstspruit residents. The commission's findings from its ongoing investigation have not yet been made public.
The municipality faces scrutiny from more than one front. The Public Protector has also opened a separate investigation into how the City of Tshwane has handled the contamination crisis, adding further institutional pressure on local authorities to resolve the situation.
Bronkhorstspruit water unsafe even when boiled
Briefly News also reported that officials have emphasized that boiling the municipal supply in communitites aound Bronkhorstspruit, does not make it safe for consumption. Through an official joint communication issued by national health and water authorities alongside Gauteng and Tshwane officials, strict bans were instituted. Populations residing in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, Dark City, Rethabiseng, and Sokhulumi are strictly barred from utilizing municipal water for cooking, drinking, showering, washing provisions, laundry, or brushing teeth. Flushing toilets remains the sole authorized application.
Source: Briefly News
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