Cases of gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, have risen to 833, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said at a media briefing on Monday. Officials reported 27 new cases in the past 24 hours and say no deaths have been recorded.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is visiting the Tshwane town today to tour the treatment works and meet residents who were hospitalised.
What we know
The illness has been linked to water supplied from the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant, which serves the far east of Pretoria. Reports indicate the contaminated supply ran for about three weeks and that it is understood the City of Tshwane did not adequately chlorinate the water.
The plant has been closed and residents are relying on water tankers. Majodina said some residents had stored water for long periods, which contributed to rising infections, and that tankers supplied by private operators may not carry treated water. Majodina also said: "it does not mean there is an outbreak."
Figures differ. A Presidency statement announcing the Deputy President's visit referred to about 408 cases, and other reports cite more than 400. The 833 figure is the latest given by the minister. Reports indicate three residents are receiving hospital treatment and that others also needed hospital care; we have not seen an official admissions total.
What the City and the Presidency say
Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya told Parliament that the plant's manager has been suspended and that an investigation is continuing. She said officials will be held accountable, and: "we need to establish exactly where it broke."
The Presidency said the incident "has raised serious concerns about the safety of the water supply". Mashatile chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation. He will tour the treatment works, receive an update on its infrastructure and visit hospitalised patients. Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Moya are expected to attend.
Why it matters
In 2023, about two dozen people died in Hammanskraal, also in Tshwane, after drinking contaminated water supplied by the City. No deaths have been recorded in Bronkhorstspruit, according to officials. The illness comes nine days before local government elections on 4 November.
