Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Sello Seitlholo MP.
The DA in the Greater Taung Local Municipality learned with sadness about the drowning of a third person in 10 months at the Magogong water canal.
Mr Thabang Mosienyana (34) accidentally fell into the canal and drowned during the early hours of Tuesday morning. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mosienyana family.
This tragic passing follows the death of 5-year-old Luyanda Mphandle who fell into a canal and drowned on 27 January 2024. The canal also claimed the life of 12-year-old Boichoko Monate in April 2023.
The DA previously conducted an oversight inspection at the canal after a visit to the family of little Luyanda who passed away in January. It was then alleged that the canal is privately owned by Vaalharts Water, a company based in Jankempdorp in the Northern Cape.
Two days later, we met with the management of Vaalharts Water to engage them on possible measures to secure the canal and prevent tragic deaths. We were informed that the company is simply an operating agent responsible for the distribution of bulk river water to water agencies such as Magalies Water, which provides bulk water to the Dr Ruth Segomontsi Mompati District Municipality. It was then concluded that the ownership of the water canal and the security thereof are solely the responsibility of the National Department of Water and Sanitation under the custodianship of Minister Senzo Mchunu.
This clarity brings into question the silence by both the district municipality as well as the National Department of Water and Sanitation on the deaths of children, adults and livestock in Magogong Village. This is despite extensive coverage of the cries of the Magogong community since 2021.
Magogong Village suffers from a lack of water provision, forcing residents to gather water from the canal to satisfy their daily needs.
We will write to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, requesting him to initiate measures that would secure the canal immediately to prevent future loss of life.
The DA will utilise every mechanism at our disposal towards securing this canal.
