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Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for incentives to reward those that use cleaner fuels as a measure to reduce air pollution, which affects human health and the environment.  

“Vehicle subsidies may be offered for example towards buyers of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, electric and hydrogen run vehicles. While fare subsidies are known to attract more numbers of commuters from use of private cars,” Chikunga said on Monday in Pretoria.

Addressing the 41st annual Southern African Transport Conference (SATC 2023), she said the contribution of road transport to the Republic of South Africa’s (RSA’s) Greenhouse emissions (GHG) has increased to 95.7% in 2023.

“The road transport is said to be the highest polluter due to its overwhelming impacts. There are almost 13 million vehicle population (12 969 430) on South African roads, 32% (4 158 818) of which are goods vehicle.

“In environmental terms, it is documented that in 2018, the road transport alone was responsible for 91.2% of South Africa’s Green House Gas emissions. Other modes such as aviation, maritime and rail accounted for 5%, 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively,” the Minister said.

The National Department of Transport’s (DoT) is tasked with drafting policy and legislation, which in turn must guide the planning and the building of resilient systems to tackle global transport externalities.

“However, agreeing on policies that will enable internalisation of social costs from GHG emissions globally is no easy task, with differences between the more developed and the less developed countries.

“As government we may have to improve the design of incentives to reward those whose transport production or consumption activities results in positive externalities.

“Taxes or subsidies are here imposed so that private costs absolve society’s full costs and benefits accruing from a transaction. Imposing taxes and subsidies however require lots of data towards establishing the true outcomes,” Chikunga said.

She said subsidies might also be used to influence consumer choices to opt for more environmentally friendly transport mode.

“Policies may be put in place to subsidise capital expenditure, as well as operational expenditure related to public passenger transport. Modal subsidies for public transport buses, railway and taxes may be offered.

“It should be noted that to these ends we have already embarked on a process of developing and implementing a public transport subsidy whose benefits must accrue most importantly to the consumer of public transport,” the Minister said.

These actions are intended to stimulate increased use of less intrusive transport modes, when given subsidies.

In addition, fuel economy standards could be set to capture the mileage travelled per unit of fuel consumed.

She also suggested regulation on emission standards, which may be set to impose a limit on the amount of exhaust that a vehicle happens to be giving off in its tailpipe.

Fuel quality standards may be instituted to limit polluting elements in a fuel type, e.g., lead in gasoline and sulphur in diesel.

The Minister’s call comes as the international community prepares to commemorate Mandela Day, which is calling for focus on dismantling poverty and inequality by acting against climate change and creating resilient food environments.

Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Metrorail has advised commuters to seek alternative transport after its service experienced disruption at most of its lines on Monday, due to adverse weather conditions.

“Refunds are facilitated at Metrorail train stations for affected commuters. Metrorail remains committed to operating trains safely. We would like to apologise to commuters for the inconvenience caused,” Gauteng Metrorail said.

The cold weather has a negative impact on the infrastructure and its components (tracks, crossover points, electrical cables, etc.). The overhead wires also experience tension, which results in power instability and failure.

Delays were experienced in the Saulsville to Pretoria line, Centurion to Pretoria, Leralla to Germiston, as well as the Naledi to Johannesburg corridor.

“The Saulsville-Pretoria, Naledi-Johannesburg and Leralla-Germiston train service is currently suspended to allow the technical team to work on the infrastructure. The electricity had to be switched off on both lines in Naledi, Leralla and Saulsville to allow the technical team to commence with repair work of the affected section,” Metrorail said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that a cold front caused a significant drop in temperatures over Gauteng on Monday.

“The maximum temperatures are expected to reach 13°C in the northern areas of Gauteng, with minimum temperatures recorded to have met criteria for snowy conditions. Snow was observed over areas in the south, such as Soweto, Alberton and Roodepoort.

“Some of the areas that observed snow include the eastern areas of Gauteng, Heidelberg and parts of Vosloorus. Most of the snow that was observed since morning was over Heidelberg. Light snowfall and sleet are still possible over the Highveld and the escarpment of Mpumalanga,” SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that parts of Gauteng observed snow on Monday morning.

“A cold front caused a significant drop in temperatures over today, Monday, 10 July 2023. The maximum temperatures are expected to reach 13°C in the northern areas of Gauteng, with minimum temperatures recorded to have met criteria for snowy conditions,” the weather service said.

Snow was observed over areas in the south, such as Soweto, Alberton and Roodepoort. Some of the areas that observed snow include the eastern areas of Gauteng, Heidelberg and parts of Vosloorus.

“Most of the snow that was observed since morning was over Heidelberg. Light snowfall and sleet are still possible over the Highveld and the escarpment of Mpumalanga today, where expected temperatures for areas such as Dullstroom, Belfast, Roossenekal, Mariepskop, Mount Anderson and Ermelo will not exceed 6°C,” SAWS said.

“The public and small stock farmers have been advised that the very cold, wet and windy conditions may pose a risk to livestock, vulnerable crops and plants.

Severe frost is expected overnight as well as on Wednesday morning.

“The public is also warned to keep warm during these cold conditions. The public are urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio as well as social media platforms. Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service Twitter account @SAWeatherService,” the weather service said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

 

Rand Water has reminded Johannesburg Water customers of the 58-hour planned water shutdown to be undertaken from Tuesday night to Friday morning.

The utility said the maintenance project forms part of Rand Water’s maintenance strategy that focuses on proactive refurbishment and upgrading of its infrastructure to ensure future sustainability.

“Rand Water will implement a planned maintenance to tie-in two valves between the A19 and B14 Pipelines. The planned maintenance will be undertaken to replace multiple valves at the Vereeniging Water Treatment Plant, Eikenhof Booster Pumping Station and Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant,” Rand Water said in a statement.

During the shutdown, all direct feeds from Rand Water will be affected, impacting the Roodepoort, Central and Soweto areas.

The following Johannesburg Water infrastructure, including reservoirs, towers and direct feeds will be impacted:

Roodepoort/Randburg areas
•    Boschkop reservoir
•    Randpark Ridge reservoir
•    Cosmo City reservoir
•    Constantia tower and pump station
•    Helderkruin Tower
•    Helderkruin reservoir
•    Corriemoor reservoir
•    Fairland reservoir
•    Waterval tower
•    Quellerina tower
•    Florida North tower and pump station
•    Horison/ Finch tower
•    Honeydew reservoir
•    Honeydew tower
•    Olivedale reservoir
•    Blairgowrie reservoir
•    Linden 1 reservoir
•    Linden 1 tower
•    Linden 2 reservoir
•    Kensington B reservoir
•    Kensington B tower

Central
•    Aeroton reservoir
•    Aeroton tower
•    Berea reservoir
•    Parktown 1 and 2 reservoir
•    Brixton reservoir
•    Brixton tower
•    Crosby reservoir
•    Hurstihill 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Northcliff reservoir
•    Northcliff tower
•    Crown Gardens reservoir
•    Crown Gardens towers
•    Foresthill tower
•    Hector Norris pump station
•    Yeoville 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs.

Ennerdale
•    Orange Farm reservoir
•    Ennerdale 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs
•    Lawley reservoir.

Southdale
•    Eagles Nest reservoir
•    Kibler Park reservoir
•    Alan Manor reservoir
•    Glenvista reservoir.

Soweto areas
•    Chiawelo reservoir
•    Jabulani tower
•    Zondi reservoir
•    Zondi tower
•    Bramfischer reservoir 1
•    Doornkop reservoir
•    Naturena reservoir
•    Meadowlands 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Orlando East reservoir
•    Diepkloof reservoir
•    Power Park 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Jabulani reservoir

Rand Water said some residents within the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM), Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) and the Rand West Local Municipality (RWLM) will experience intermittent water supply during the implementation of the project.

“In terms of the communication protocol, Rand Water has formally informed the affected municipal customers by issuing a 21-day advance notification to allow the entities to plan and execute appropriate contingency plans. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused by the implementation of this maintenance project. However, planned maintenance on Rand Water’s infrastructure is necessary to ensure future sustainable supply of water to our customers.”

The entity said the last part of the project will be work on electrical boards at Lethabo Pumping Station.

Johannesburg Water said water supply in the affected areas at Daleside Booster Station will be reduced by 50% for a period of eight hours. At Zwartkopjes Booster Station, it will be reduced by 40% for a period of 24 hours, and by 24% Eikenhof Booster Station for a period of 58 hours.

Roaming water tankers will be provided to the affected areas and alternative water supply will be arranged at hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations, and shopping centres.

"It is estimated that full recovery of the systems may take approximately five days or longer after the supply has been fully restored,” Johannesburg Water said.

The shutdown will take place from 7pm on Tuesday, 11 July until 5am on Friday, 14 July 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s electricity generation capacity continues to show signs of improvement and stabilisation, says Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

This follows work done in the past two weeks.

The Minister was speaking on Sunday during his weekly media briefing on progress made regarding the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 

Outlining the generation performance for period 3 -7 July 2023, the Minister said that Eskom has been able to maintain the increased energy availability of more than 60% resulting in lower levels of load shedding. 

“The progress we're making is tribute to the fact that we've stayed the course. We've received a number of criticism, arguing that government doesn't have a plan and our consistent message was that we have a plan and we are going to deliver against that plan.

“We have been able to maintain the trend line, we are approximating that 60% energy availability factor. In megawatts terms, you can see the running average for the week is about 28 272,” Ramokgopa said. 

The progress was on account of a number of things done over the past weeks. As a result of improved generation capacity now, there is an additional space for Eskom to do good planned maintenance.

The Minister highlighted that one of the underlying assumptions when the country entered winter, is that they were going to drastically reduce planned maintenance so that we have as many units as possible at any given time generating megawatts needed. 

On Friday, they were able to take out double what had been planned because of the room that has been created by the performance of the units. 

“This is planned, it is by design and voluntary. We could have chosen not to but we have chosen to take it out and you are not seeing it in the aggravation of the load shedding situation in the country. 

“Load shedding is bad in all its elements but you can see that we're able to maintain that permutation of 0 to 3 or 1 to 3.

“So either no load shedding between midnight and 4 am then we introduce it during the evening peak because it is more severe than the morning peak...or we introduce Stage 1 load shedding [at] midnight until 4 am and then we ramp it up to Stage 3 during the evening peak starting at 4pm.”

He said that for as long as planned maintenance continues,  “these units won’t surprise us because we are thorough and robust in the manner in which we do it.”

 When we make a promise that this unit is going to run for a certain number of hours without it failing or being taken out, we are confident that our message or promise will be kept.”

Ramokgopa said the month of July is a special one because it marks the anniversary of the Energy Action Plan which was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The minister said the plan has made progress as they have been able to mobilise private sector players.

“In relation to the Energy Action Plan, we have been able to mobilise private sector players, over a hundred of them are working with us and that in part is to help us recover the units but also to ensure that they are able to transmit the knowledge and exchange it with some of the station managers and junior engineers so that they are able to run on their own.

“When we come out of this very difficult electricity situation, we will be more than confident that we have cadres of young engineers at Eskom, who fully understand how these machines operate,” he said.

 
The Minister added that they were also strengthening issues around accountability when it comes to the Energy Action Plan.

 
On funding to enable investment to the grid, Ramokgopa announced that Eskom has prioritised about 25 transformers that will make it possible to add 12,000 megawatts of capacity into the grid by 2028. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Social Development will host the review of the implementation of South Africa’s population policy conference.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu will address the conference that will get underway on Tuesday at the Maropeng Centre at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site in Gauteng. 

The gathering will bring together 300 participants representing diverse sectors including young people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, civil society organisations and academics.

In a statement on Sunday the department said the conference aims to assess progress made in implementing the policy which was developed to include population concerns in development planning.

The conference will focus on the priorities of the Population Policy approved by Cabinet in 2015.

Held under the theme: “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities", the conference will evaluate progress made and the relevance of the policy after 25 years and make recommendations to Cabinet in 2024.

The conference will be preceded by the commemoration of the World Population Day, which is globally recognized on 11 July.

“Some of the discussions for the conference will include a panel discussion on the role of young fathers in raising children, why adolescents should be a priority and government support initiatives advancing the 1.8 billion campaign and agenda.

“The Minister will also launch the State of the World Population 2023 report focusing on the empowerment of women and girls,” the department said.

The conference will conclude on Thursday, 13 July.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents South Africa with unparalleled benefits and opportunities.

Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Trade at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Calvin Phume said the AfCFTA holds immense potential, promising to expand market access for South African entrepreneurs and enterprises.

 “This unparalleled market reach will catalyse a surge in trade, enabling local businesses to tap into new market opportunities, expand their operations, attract investments and bolster their revenue streams,” he said.

Phume was speaking during an AfCFTA awareness workshop in Cape Town on Friday.

The AfCFTA seeks to establish a large single continental market, encompassing a population of approximately 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately USD 3.4 trillion.

 “We are poised to witness a surge in trade activities, fuelling economic growth and fostering cross-border collaboration.

“With the AfCFTA now in full swing, South Africa stands at the forefront of a momentous trade revolution that will shape the future of the continent encouraging innovation and promoting the development of value-chains, thereby spurring industrialization and job creation across sectors.

“As businesses gear up to leverage the vast consumer base offered by AfCFTA, the stage is set for unprecedented growth and prosperity,” he said.

Phume stated that with the implementation of the AfCFTA, South Africa had embarked on a transformative path towards intra-Africa trade that will enhance economic cooperation across the continent.

“When the AfCFTA was mooted by the Heads of State and Government of African countries, it was over concerns that African countries were not trading with each other, prompting a comprehensive investigation into potential solutions.

“Following this examination, it was determined that establishing a continental free trade area would serve as an ideal platform to promote intra-Africa trade among member states of the African continent,” said Phume.

The workshop raised various issues of interest, including funding interventions as presented by the Western Cape Economic Development Department, the advantages of quality management systems by the South African Bureau of Standards, and an informative session on understanding the dtic incentive schemes.

Following its successful run, the nationwide workshop is scheduled to continue in the Free State, the Northern Cape, and the North West. –SAnews.gov.za

The City of Ekurhuleni has condemned the shooting of an on-duty electrician in Boksburg on Saturday night.

In a statement on Sunday, the City said the employee was responding to a multiple power outage in the area when he was shot and robbed at a substation in Dayanglen at around 8pm. The employee had to be rushed to hospital where he is recovering.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said they were grateful the electrician survived the incident.

“This city strongly condemns the senseless attack on a man who left the comfort of his home and his family on a Saturday night to assist the community, only to be attacked by senseless thugs. These unfortunate incidents are becoming a major problem. In fact, our workers are now reluctant and even refusing to attend to power outages at night because of these acts of criminality.  

“The employees’ behaviour is quite understandable because this job is turning out to be life-threatening.  The unfortunate part is that this means that our customers and residents alike will now have to deal with extended power outages,” Dlamini said. 

Dlamini added that the incident forced the team to withdraw from the electricity restoration process leaving Morganridge, Davanglen and Boksburg West without power for the whole of last night. ork resumed this morning. 

“While we remain committed to render quality and sustainable services at all times, such incidents of criminality derail our efforts. We therefore implore our communities to assist in the protection of these employees because they are performing a critical task. 

“We have people who need electricity for survival, and without it they can die. Unfortunately, the criminals care less about that,” Dlamini said.

The City has urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to forward such information to the police for further processing and investigation on 08600 10111. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the late Maggie Mathabatha as someone who dedicated her life to the socio-economic development of her people.

“We are also here, on behalf of government and the people of South Africa, to pay our last respects to a daughter of the soil, Mme Matlotlo Margaret Mathabatha, a liberation fighter in her own right, who spent most of her adult life dedicated to the socio-economic development of her people in the many leadership roles that she has played before and after the attainment of freedom and democracy in South Africa,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Deputy President attended the funeral service of Mathabatha at the Uniting Reform Church in Southern Africa in Polokwane on Friday.

The wife of Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha passed away following a short illness.

The Deputy President said the Premier and first lady of Limpopo took up arms, under the auspices of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the military wing of the then banned African National Congress, against an oppressor apartheid regime.

The Deputy President reflected on how she lent her voice and energies to the workers struggle waged by the Commercial and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (CAWUSA), of which she was a member and a leader in the 1980s.

While she left the retail sector, she was “never lost to the quest to build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.”

She went on to become instrumental in the founding and ultimate formation of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU). Her passion for education led her to enrol at the University of the Western Cape where she obtained her first higher qualification, a Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1991. 

In 1992, she enrolled at the University of Limpopo, then called the University of the North, where she obtained a University Education Diploma. She went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Development from the University of Limpopo’s Business School, EDUPARK in 2011.

“Mme Maggie continued to be a shining light to both students and educators alike, providing a good example to her people in the manner in which she carried herself and how she imparted knowledge to those who sought it.”
 

Mathabatha also became a Member of the Diplomatic Corps, representing South Africa in Ukraine, where she served as Madam De-charge in the South African Embassy until she returned to South Africa together with her husband in 2013 when he was appointed as the Premier of Limpopo.

“As we bid farewell to our sister, mother and grandmother to some and a comrade, friend and colleague to many of us here, we would like to thank the Moshoeshoe and Mathabatha families for giving their daughter to the service of the people of Gauteng where Mme Maggie grew up, the people of Limpopo where she led the revolution and the people of South Africa as a whole in the struggle to defeat apartheid and build a better life for all. 

“Your loss is our loss and the country is bereft of a dedicated care-giver and nurturer of a generation of our people. 

“We have no option but to pick the baton and continue on a journey you started and led, for our people to be completely and finally liberated from the clutches of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” said the Deputy President. –SAnews.gov.za

The highly anticipated Proudly SA Local Wine Expo is back, and promises an unforgettable experience for all wine lovers.

The expo is set to take place from Thursday, 13 July to Saturday, 15 July 2023 at the Prison Break Market in Lonehill, Johannesburg.

According to Proudly South African, it will bring together about 30 South African wine brands under one roof, making it a must-attend event for those seeking to savour the rich diversity of South African wines. 

With a wide range of varietals and styles on display, attendees can expect to discover new favourites and engage with winemakers and industry experts.

South Africa’s wine industry has been soaring to new heights, receiving accolades and commendations from wine critics around the world. 

According to recent ratings, local wines have consistently impressed with exceptional quality, earning a well-deserved spot on the global stage. 

“In fact, a recent study has revealed that South Africa is the eighth biggest wine producer in the world. The Local Wine Expo provides the perfect opportunity to taste and experience the excellence first-hand,” said Proudly SA. 

By supporting local wine brands, locals not only expand their palate but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of South Africa's economy. 

The wine industry plays a vital role in job creation, tourism, and sustainability initiatives. 

The event allows wine lovers to actively participate in this positive impact while indulging in the finest wines that South Africa has to offer.

“Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or just beginning your journey into the world of oenology, the Local Wine Expo caters to all levels of wine appreciation.”

Admission is free, providing a unique opportunity to explore, taste, and purchase exceptional wines directly from the producers. 

In addition to the wine tastings, a session for retail and bulk buyers will be hosted on the first day to outline the wine industry value chain and identify ways in which the industry can be elevated to new heights.

Through this session, Proudly SA hopes to increase the number of local wine brands on retailers’ shelves, encouraging retail buyers to help create jobs. 

To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/44smHl7.

Proudly SA also appealed for guests to drink responsibility and to never drive under the influence of alcohol. It encouraged patrons to use e-hailing or chauffer services or to have sober designated drivers. – SAnews.gov.za

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has challenged African leaders to shift their focus from being producers of raw materials processed elsewhere.

The President further called on the continent to be manufacturers of their own goods and to rebuild their industrial capacity to serve the growing young population. 

The President was speaking on Thursday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where he kicked off his working visit at the invitation of President Félix Tshisekedi. 

The President, who flew to Kinshasa on Wednesday, co-chaired the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th Session of the DRC–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).

He noted that Africa was a young continent, with about 70% of the sub-Saharan African population under the age of 30.

Describing Africa’s youth as digital natives and tech-savvy, he told delegates that the continent was growing rapidly.

“It is estimated that by 2050, Africa’s population will grow to 2.5 billion people with a new generation that is more urbanised, better educated and wealthier than any that has come before it.”

Africa, according to the First Citizen, is urbanising, providing networks of skills and opportunities that can drive Africa’s development.

He projected that the urban population of Africa will be larger than that of China and India, and four times bigger than that of the United States.

“To realise the opportunity of this demographic dividend, we will need to rapidly expand and diversify our industrial capacity.

“We need to shift away from simply being producers of raw materials that are processed elsewhere in the world. Africa’s appetite for industrialisation has been whetted.”

He believes that the new investment in factories and logistics systems can power higher levels of growth and jobs.

“COVID-19 taught us the importance of Africa developing its industrial base.

“We were left stranded without the resources to fight the pandemic. We could not access sufficient supplies of medical-grade face masks, ventilators, surgical gowns, hand sanitisers, testing kits and later vaccines.”

However, through efforts to repurpose industrial capabilities, he said the continent was able to reverse this, becoming a manufacturer of all these products. 

“The crisis taught us valuable lessons for the future. One of those lessons is that Africa’s industrial base while growing, needs to be much deeper and larger.”

This, he said, requires significant investment in science and innovation, a conducive environment for new investment, promoting skills development within the workforce and greater levels of trade with each other.

“South Africa and the DRC can be leaders in this important project of ensuring African raw materials are processed on the African continent.

“We can combine our raw materials and skills, our technology and capital, our young people, and universities into a powerful drive to industrialise.”

He is of the view that there is an opportunity to develop an integrated supply chain for electric vehicle battery manufacturing as well, using our combined resources and capacities.

“This is one of the most important initiatives we can take to ensure that Africa can be a leading manufacturer and I look forward to taking this forward with President Tshisekedi.”

Business

He said he was pleased that several South African companies in the DRC were represented, adding that several Congolese businesses were operating in South Africa.

“There is no doubt that the potential is vast. We must work more closely to address the challenges that have been identified by the private sector and work to overcome them.”

He also called on Congolese businesspeople to invest in South Africa, to find opportunities to expand their businesses by setting up subsidiaries in South Africa.

“I, therefore, invite the Congolese private sector to attend the next South Africa Investment Conference to be held in March next year and join us in this effort to grow our overall investment base with more African investment.”

He told delegates that they are determined to ensure that all Africans benefit from their fair share of global growth and development.

“As a continent, we do have several challenges, but we must take our destiny into our own hands.

“I am certain that working together, deepening our cooperation and exploring new avenues of endeavour, we can achieve a better future for our continent and its people.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Water and Sanitation says it is engaged in several initiatives aimed at addressing the pollution of rivers by municipal waste water treatment works.   

This follows the 2022 Green Drop report which indicated that the performance of many municipal waste water treatment systems is deteriorating. 

The report, which was recently released by the department, identified 334 wastewater systems in a critical state of performance in 90 municipalities. 

“This means that many municipalities are discharging effluent from their waste water (sewage) treatment works which does not meet the specified treatment levels, which in turn is resulting in pollution of rivers,” the department said.

The department said it has noted AfriForum’s statement that it has expanded its scope of test sites on the Vaal River from the initial site in Ngwathe Local Municipality, with five more points downstream in Free State, Northern Cape and North West provinces and that test results have confirmed the presence of cholera bacteria. 

The department acknowledged that Vaal River is one of the worst polluted rivers in South Africa. 

It reiterated that the outbreak of cholera is caused either by people ingesting sewage-polluted water or by faecal-oral means - through poor hygiene, eating contaminated food, or by coming into contact with the faeces of an infected person. 

“Sewage pollution of rivers can result in cholera bacteria entering the rivers via the faeces of an infected person or people,” the department explained.

It said it has been carrying out weekly tests for cholera in the Vaal River at the point in Ngwathe - where AfriForum tests initially indicated the presence of cholera bacteria - which was caused by a sewage-spilling manhole situated near the watercourse.

The sewage-spilling manhole has since been repaired.

“Departmental tests at the site have not yet identified cholera bacteria. However, this does not mean that the AfriForum tests were incorrect. Cholera-infected faeces can be present at a particular point in the river at a particular time but may later flow downstream. The department will conduct further tests downstream,” it said.

The department warned members of the public that rivers, dams, and streams contain raw or untreated water which is not suitable for human consumption. 

“We therefore urge members of the public to avoid consuming untreated water from such water bodies unless it is first disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has set out guidelines that should be followed regarding safe drinking water. 

“Municipalities are required by law to carry out regular tests of treated drinking water before it is provided to communities.

“Drinking water provided by municipalities is safe to drink if municipalities are carrying out the tests as required, and if the tests show that the water meets the standards for drinking water that are set by the South African Bureau of Standards,” the department said. 

In a bid to address the pollution of rivers by municipal waste water treatment systems, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has agreed on action plans to address infrastructural deficiencies in many of the worst performing municipalities.

The department is also assisting municipalities with funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) to address these deficiencies. 

“Secondly, the department is taking regulatory action in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities. 

“Thirdly, the department is drafting amendments to the Water Services Act to strengthen its role as the regulator of municipal water and sanitation services and to enable the Minister to intervene effectively when there is non-compliance with directives to stop pollution,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za