Urgent Dam Safety Measures Needed Following Juliette Mhlanga’s Death

ActionSA is deeply saddened by the death of Juliette Mhlanga, a daughter, mother and sister raised by the Maseko family in Emadala, Siyathuthuka, Ward 3. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mhlanga and Maseko families and the entire community.

Juliette reportedly drowned at a dam on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The circumstances of her death must be established through a proper investigation. However, concerns about the dam’s reported lack of fencing, warning signs and access controls raise serious questions about public safety.

One life lost is one too many. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for proper safety measures at dams near residential areas and pedestrian routes, as well as effective emergency-response arrangements.

Despite efforts to secure assistance, the divers from Mbombela did not arrive at the scene. Assistance was instead provided by a local police officer who, despite not being a trained diver, stepped forward to help. ActionSA acknowledges the Belfast police station commander for responding to our call for assistance, the officer for his efforts, and community members who supported the affected families.

While we commend their efforts, individual bravery cannot replace properly equipped and coordinated emergency services. The municipality must explain what water-rescue resources were available, what emergency arrangements were in place and how specialist assistance is secured during such emergencies.

ActionSA calls on Emakhazeni Local Municipality to urgently:

1. Conduct safety assessments of the affected dam and other accessible dams near homes and pedestrian routes.
2. Install appropriate fencing, access controls and warning signs where required.
3. Provide a transparent account of the emergency response and explain why specialist divers from Mbombela did not arrive.
4. Review local water-rescue capacity, equipment, response times and specialist-support arrangements.
5. Investigate whether the risks were identified and reasonable safety precautions taken.
6. Develop a public safety plan for dams near residential areas, schools and routes used by children.

The municipality must also clarify who owns or controls the dam and who is responsible for its safety and maintenance. ActionSA does not presume legal negligence before the facts are established, but the concerns raised require urgent investigation and accountability.

Juliette’s death must not be mourned today and forgotten tomorrow. ActionSA calls for concrete measures to protect residents, prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure emergency assistance can be secured when lives are at risk.

Our deepest condolences remain with the Mhlanga and Maseko families and the Siyathuthuka community.

May Juliette’s soul rest in peace.

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