The recent cholera outbreak in the country has also affected some of the Free State Municipalities such as Metsimaholo Local Municipality and Ngwathe Local Municipality. This is due to their proximity to the Vaal River.  According to the Envirocare Laboratory, the water samples which were collected from the Vaal River in Parys were detected to have been contaminated with cholera. To prove the veracity of the disease one death was reported by the Department of Health in Parys. Many civil society groups such as AfriForum and Metsimaholo Concerned groups requested more tests at the Vaal River to determine the water quality.

It must be highlighted that the SAHRC in Free State has comprehended that most local municipalities are either directing spillages of raw sewage into rivers and dams or the infrastructure is in such bad state that sewage flows everywhere contaminating nearby dams and rivers. This has been noted in the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality in the Harrismith area as well as in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom, Kopanong Local Municipality in Bethulie and Masilonyana Local Municipality in Windburg to mention a few.  With the preceding in mind, the Commission considered it critical to hear from the people of Ngwathe as to how the current outbreak (water contamination) has impacted their lives, and what they think should be done to address the challenges.

The Engagement is scheduled as follows:
Date: 29 August 2023
Time: 10:00 - 13:00
Venue: Parys Community Hall

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For further information contact SAHRC FS Provincial Manager, Mr. Thabang Kheswa on Tel: 051 447 1170, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Lecholo Nkabiti; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.