Latest news with #LocalMunicipality
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Final warning for water polluters – we will act, we will prosecute and we will expose you
As Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, I carry the delegated responsibility to address the impact of water pollution and protect the integrity of our country's water resources. Few challenges illustrate this duty more starkly than the state of the Vaal River today. It bears the scars of years of municipal mismanagement and wastewater system failure. Raw sewage, discharges from malfunctioning wastewater treatment works and decaying infrastructure have turned parts of this iconic river into a national warning sign and disaster. It is a crisis we can no longer ignore, and it is far from isolated. As such, the Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum, which we have since established, now brings together municipalities, industries and civil society to coordinate emergency interventions and enforce accountability. But this work cannot succeed unless these municipalities themselves step up fully, consistently and with urgency. Serious decline The 2023 Green Drop Watch Report reinforces what communities have long known: that our wastewater infrastructure is in serious decline. Of the 850 treatment systems audited nationally, 334 were flagged as being in a critical state, with performance scores below 31%. These are not remote systems in distant municipalities. Many serve urban centres and densely populated towns. In provinces like Limpopo (78%), Free State (67%), and Northern Cape (76%), more than two-thirds of wastewater systems are critically dysfunctional. These failures are not just engineering issues, they represent a profound threat to public health, environmental integrity and constitutional rights. The root causes are not a mystery. The report points to underfunding, lack of skilled staff, inadequate planning, infrastructure vandalism and in some cases, municipal inaction or non-cooperation. Municipalities were required to submit Corrective Action Plans within 60 days of the 2022 Green Drop Report, yet only 50% complied. Of those, just 10% had begun implementation by the time of the 2023 audit. This is a crisis of both capacity and governance. While the national government is fulfilling its mandate through enforcement, funding and support, the Constitution is clear that the day-to-day operation and maintenance of wastewater systems is the responsibility of local government. This is not about apportioning blame; it is about clarifying responsibility. Action and accountability As a department, we are taking action. We have initiated 172 enforcement interventions, placed 307 systems under active monitoring, and begun holding municipal officials and institutions accountable through legal channels. The R160-million fine imposed on Dipaleseng Local Municipality in November 2024 for persistent sewage discharges into rivers and communities is a landmark case and a clear indication that failure will no longer be tolerated. And let me be absolutely clear. Those who knowingly pollute our water systems, whether in public office or private industry, will be pursued. If you are dumping waste into rivers, ignoring infrastructure failure or failing to comply with directives, your days of hiding behind red tape and apathy are numbered. There will be prosecutions. There will be financial penalties. And there will be public accountability. But enforcement alone is not the solution. We are also building support structures. The Green Drop Support Plan, developed in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the South African Local Government Association and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent, is helping municipalities implement improvements. Maintenance programmes are creating jobs and technical capacity. And performance incentives are being tied directly to Green Drop outcomes. Attitude change Still, none of this will be enough without a change in mindset. Infrastructure maintenance is not an optional extra, it is the foundation of service delivery, and you cannot build new systems on a collapsing base. You cannot promise dignity while sewage flows through the streets and homes of residents, and you cannot lead without taking responsibility for what you have been entrusted to manage. The real test of municipal leadership today is not how much new infrastructure is built, it is how well the existing systems are operated, maintained, and protected. The Green Drop Report is more than just an audit. It is a barometer of whether local governance is working, and it tells us where risks are accumulating, where communities are being let down, and where leadership is absent. There are examples of what success can look like. In Laingsburg and Matjiesfontein in the Western Cape, a failing conservancy system was replaced with a modern membrane bio-reactor treatment plant. The facility now not only complies with regulations, but it also recycles water, supports housing development and creates local employment. Local leadership That success was made possible through intergovernmental collaboration. But it was driven by local leadership that understood its responsibility and rose to the occasion. South Africa stands at a crossroads. We have the policy frameworks, the regulatory systems and the investment channels. What we need now is a shift from crisis response to systemic maintenance. That means every mayor, every municipal manager and every councillor must treat wastewater infrastructure as a matter of strategic priority and moral obligation. To communities, you are not powerless. Report pollution and refrain from polluting. Demand performance and hold your councils accountable. Water is not just a resource; it is your right. When rivers run black with sewage, it is not only nature that is violated. It is your dignity, your health and your children's future put at risk. To polluters, whether through action or neglect, this is your final warning. We will act, we will prosecute and we will expose you. The time of excuses is over. The era of accountability has begun. To lead today is to maintain, and this is precisely how municipalities will be judged, not by what they promise, but by what they preserve. If we fail to protect our water systems, the cost will not only be ecological or economic, but it will also be deeply human. DM
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Public Protector flags irregularities in R22m Lesseyton Stadium, questions 'emergency'
The construction of the Lesseyton Sports Field exceeded the approved R18.7 million budget. Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has found evidence of mismanagement in the construction of the controversial Lesseyton Sports Field in Komani, Eastern Cape. In a report released on Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct, Gcaleka highlighted serious procurement issues involving the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The sports facility, unveiled in October 2021, drew widespread public criticism due to its poor quality and the high cost associated with its construction. A forensic investigation conducted by a law firm had revealed that the contract for building the stadium — awarded to construction company Thalami Civils — was irregular. Public Protector investigation over Lesseyton Sports Field tender On Wednesday, Gcaleka found that procurement irregularities in the awarding of the R22.7 million tender had been substantiated. She pointed out that one key issue was that the project exceeded the R18.7 million budget approved by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the 2017-18 financial year. 'The awarded tender exceeded the budgeted amount by over R4.7 million, and there is no evidence that the municipality approached the municipal council for additional funding as required by Section 19(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act,' Gcaleka said. ALOS READ: Sanral taking its time to investigate R1.57bn tender award Additional procedural issues were also found during the tender process. Gcaleka highlighted inconsistencies in the contract's advertisement, revealing that it had two different closing dates and was not published on three publicly accessible platforms, as required by the municipal supply chain management policy. 'The tender advertisement period was shortened from 30 days to 14 days, and the reasons provided was that the construction of Lesseyton Sports Field was an emergency. 'The municipality's definition of emergency in this regard is found not to be in line with the definition in terms of regulation 22(2) of the municipal supply chain management policy,' she remarked. Bid evaluation process questioned The Public Protector's investigation uncovered irregularities in the bid evaluation process, including evidence that two separate evaluations took place. 'The first process resulted in bidder 1 being the preferred bidder, whereas the second process utilised a different formula provided by the BAC [bid adjudicating committee] and culminated in Thalami Civil, which was the fourth.' Gcaleka questioned the rationale provided by the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality for bypassing the top-scoring bidder. READ MORE: DA demands full AGSA report on R400m driving licence tender The municipality had justified not awarding the tender to the highest scoring bidder by claiming the bidder had recently been awarded a similar contract. 'The reasons provided by the BAC did not amount to, I quote, 'objective criterion', and [were] not supported by any legal or rational authority. 'Moreover, this reason was not part of the evaluation criteria in terms of the specification or determined by the BEC [bid evaluation committee].' Lack of oversight on Lesseyton Sports Field project The Public Protector concluded that the appointment of Thalami Civils contravened section 2(1)(e) and (f) of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), which mandates awarding contracts to the highest-scoring bidder unless objective criteria justify otherwise. 'The allegations that there were irregularities in the management of the contract and a lack of proper oversight on the Lesseyton Sports Field construction project by the local and provincial governments, resulting in no value for money, are substantiated,' Gcaleka added. NOW READ: Macpherson not deterred by 'political pressure or death threats' over R800m oxygen tender
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Action promised on poor services
During a special council meeting, Rand West City Local Municipality adopted its annual budget, promising efficient service delivery and development going forward. • Also read: Residents voice fury over water issues Recently, the municipality held a meeting to adopt its Annual Midterm Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) or commonly known as the annual budget. The meeting saw key municipal leaders, including Executive Mayor William Matsheke, council Speaker Selina Moumakwe, Deputy Mayor Nontombi Molatlhegi and Chief Whip Mkhuseli Jokazi. According to municipal spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa, the MTREF was described as balanced, credible and fully funded. He added that it reflected good financial planning and responsible governance. 'The annual budget was adopted unanimously by all councillors and shared commitment to development and the well-being of residents. The adoption marks a key milestone in the budgeting cycle and lays a solid foundation for efficient service delivery and developmental projects in the upcoming financial period,' he concluded. Have your say by emailing the Randfontein Herald at randfonteinherald@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Historic Fochville site in danger as illegal dumping continues despite community pleas
The once-scenic veld behind the Gert van Rensburg Stadium in Fochville, Gauteng, is now an unofficial dumping ground, sparking outrage among residents. Despite multiple reports and pleas from the community, the Merafong City Local Municipality has yet to take any meaningful action. The area, known for its quiet beauty and cultural significance, contains the ruins of ancient Sotho-Tswana settlements, which date back over 300 years. According to research conducted by archaeologist Mark Steven Anderson in his 2009 doctoral thesis at the University of Cape Town, this region was home to a thriving community that farmed, herded cattle, and accepted refugees during a turbulent period of Southern African history. However, this vital piece of South Africa's pre-colonial heritage is now being buried beneath piles of building rubble and household waste. Shockingly, eyewitnesses have previously reported municipal vehicles contributing to the illegal dumping. 'We have asked the municipality so many times to help, but have given up because they just don't seem to want to do anything about the problem,' said Corne van der Merwe, a concerned resident. Another local, Johan Knell, highlighted the tragic irony: 'By the looks of it, thousands of people stayed here hundreds of years ago, and now no one seems to care.' Despite being made aware of the issue last year, and again recently, the Merafong City Local Municipality has not erected 'No Dumping' signs, fenced off the area, nor enforced any waste management bylaws. Calls and queries by the local media continue to go unanswered. Environmental degradation, public health concerns, and the irreversible loss of cultural heritage now hang in the balance. Why This Matters The site reflects the legacy of the Sotho-Tswana people, who lived in the area until the 1820s. It holds archaeological significance as a potential educational and tourism asset. Its current state could result in the permanent loss of historical artefacts and cultural knowledge. What needs to happen Residents are urging: Immediate clean-up of the site. Installation of no-dumping signs and surveillance. Intervention from the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) or relevant government departments. Recognition of the area as a protected heritage site. Until such measures are taken, the community fears that a unique piece of South Africa's history may be lost forever under heaps of waste. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Unused solar geysers not owned by municipality
The JB Marks municipality, responded to the Herald's enquiries regarding the unused solar geysers that are being stored in a community hall. The Democratic Alliance (DA) sent a press release on the matter last week. The party has called on the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager to conduct an urgent investigation and report to Council on how solar water-heater units meant for low-income households have remained in storage for years. Read the previous article here: In response the municipality said that the solar geysers in question were installed under the National Solar Water Heater Programme, which was managed and owned by the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). 'The JB Marks Local Municipality wishes to emphasize that, it is not the implementing agent and holds no direct responsibility over the assets or execution of the project,' Jeanette Tshite, municipal spokesperson said. According to her, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy had previously appointed service providers to carry out the project. This contract has since expired. 'A new service provider was appointed by the Department but was unable to commence work due to theft of critical materials from the site. As reported to the Municipality, the Department has since reported the matter to the South African Police Service and opened two criminal cases in connection with the stolen materials at Sarafina Community Hall. Unfortunately, there has been no significant progress in these investigations, which has led to delays and a suspension of the project,' Tshite said. Several meetings have been convened between the Municipal Manager and DMRE Officials. These engagements were aimed at encouraging progress in resolving outstanding issues, particularly the recovery or replacement of stolen materials. 'The JB Marks Local Municipality understands frustration of community members and share their desire to see the project completed. The Municipality remains committed to engaging with relevant national departments to support initiatives that improve the quality of life of our residents. Nevertheless, we reiterate that all decisions and further actions lie with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Members of community and stakeholders who seek further information about solar geysers, project implementation, or future plans are encouraged to contact the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy directly, as the Municipality does not hold the mandate for this program,' Tshite noted. The Herald contacted the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and will include their response once it is received. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
