Media Invite: SAHRC Mpumalanga Provincial Office to convene an investigative inquiry into sewerage spillage and waste challenges in Nkomazi and Lekwa Local Municipalities

Attention: Editors and Reporters

28 November 2018

In the last few years, the South African Human Rights Commission in Mpumalanga (“Commission”) has received a number of complaints relating to sewerage spillages and waste water treatment challenges in various municipalities in Mpumalanga. The complaints alleged that the sewerage spillages and/or the inadequate treatment of waste water violated the affected communities’ right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being (section 24 of the Constitution), as well as the affected communities’ right to clean water (section 27 of the Constitution) and their right to dignity (section 10 of the Constitution).

In order to investigate these complaints at a systemic level, the Commission has launched a provincial inquiry into sewerage spillages and waste water treatment challenges in the province. Broadly speaking, the aim of the inquiry is to test the veracity of the complaints received, as well as to explore their possible resolution. At this stage, the inquiry will take the form of hearings, as well as announced and/or unannounced inspections, with the initial hearings to be held on 29-30 November 2018 in respect of Nkomazi and Lekwa Local Municipalities.

The details of the hearings are as follows:

DATE

MUNICIPALITY

VENUE

TIME

29 November 2018

Nkomazi Local Municipality

SAHRC Offices, 1^ST Floor

Allied Building

34 Brown Street, Nelspruit

10h00 – 15h00

30 November 2018

Lekwa Local Municipality

SAHRC Offices, 1^STFloor

Allied Building

34 Brown Street, Nelspruit

10h00 – 15h00

Ends

For further information or enquiries, please contact: SAHRC Mpumalanga Provincial Manager, Mr. E Mokonyama (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 013 – 752 5890/073 585 5944).

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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

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