Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West has formally raised the ongoing sewage contamination of the Crocodile River with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo.
Seitlholo was delegated by Minister Pemmy Majodina in August 2024 with responsibility for managing and preventing pollution of South Africa’s water resources. It is within this mandate that the DA has now escalated the matter for his urgent attention.
Madibeng Municipality’s failing infrastructure has resulted in a non-functional sewage treatment plant and several broken pump stations. This has led to raw sewage being diverted into stormwater drains, which flow directly into the Crocodile River. The daily pollution poses risks to public health, food security, and one of the province’s most critical waterways. Farmers downstream have already reported crop losses and concerns over contamination for both irrigation and livestock.
The DA trusts that the Deputy Minister will look into this matter and ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the Crocodile River from further degradation.
The DA remains committed to fighting for clean water, environmental protection, and accountability in Madibeng and across the North West.