The Commission has an ongoing investigation on the water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit. In May 2026, the Commission convened a water inquiry to examine systemic challenges affecting the realisation of the right to access to sufficient water in Gauteng. The inquiry sought to understand the causes of persistent water supply interruptions, concerns regarding water quality, the adequacy of water infrastructure and treatment systems, and the measures taken by responsible authorities to ensure the provision of safe and sufficient water. It also sought to identify barriers to the fulfilment of the right to water, establish accountability, and obtain commitments from relevant stakeholders on practical and sustainable interventions.

The City of Tshwane participated in the inquiry, during which the Commission engaged the Municipality extensively on concerns relating to the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW), including issues affecting its operations and its ability to ensure the delivery of safe water to affected communities. The Municipality undertook to address the issues raised.

Although the outcome of the inquiry has not yet been released, it is concerning to learn that the situation remains unresolved, despite the concerns having been raised during the inquiry and through the Commission’s ongoing investigation. The continued reports of contaminated water and the resulting health concerns are deeply troubling and require urgent, decisive action. The Commission emphasises that the protection of public health and the provision of safe drinking water cannot be deferred.

Following the recent water contamination incident, the Commission has received several complaints. On 21 October 2026, the Commission conducted an oversight to Bronkhorstspruit which included visitation to the BWTW. The Commission convened a multi-stakeholder engagement on 23 October 2026 with the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), National Department of Health (DoH), Randwater and the City of Tshwane to address the ongoing water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, clarify the steps taken to date, and identify urgent and sustainable measures to ensure that affected communities have access to safe and sufficient water.

The Commission is finalising its investigation and the release of its report on the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, setting out its findings and recommendations.  Notwithstanding that the report has yet to be released, the Commission at the multi-stakeholder engagement convened on 23 October 2026, called on the City of Tshwane to take immediate remedial steps to address the water crisis, including urgently assessing and addressing the operational and water-quality concerns at the BWTW, ensuring that water supplied to affected communities is safe for human consumption, and providing appropriate alternative water supplies where necessary. The City of Tshwane must also communicate transparently and consistently with the affected communities about the risks, the measures being implemented, and the steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.

The Commission reiterates that access to safe and sufficient water is essential to the enjoyment of other fundamental rights, including the rights to health and human dignity. The responsible authorities must act without delay to prevent further harm and any possible loss of life.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION