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Human rights body urges Tshwane to act on Bronkhorstspruit water

Published

The South African Human Rights Commission says it is worried about contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, where more than 400 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported. It says the situation appears to have worsened and wants the City of Tshwane to act without delay.

Commission spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the situation appeared to have deteriorated further and remains unresolved. The commission has investigated water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit since May. Baloyi called the development disheartening.

The contamination is believed to come from unchlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant. The City of Tshwane supplies the water to residents.

Baloyi said the city must act to prevent further harm and any possible loss of life. He said: "The Commission emphasises that the protection of public health and the provision of safe drinking water cannot be deferred."

Key facts

Who
Wisani Baloyi (Spokesperson, South African Human Rights Commission); South African Human Rights Commission (Investigating body on water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit); City of Tshwane (Municipality supplying the water to Bronkhorstspruit residents)
What
The SAHRC, which has been investigating water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit since May, said it was disheartening that the situation appeared to have deteriorated further and urged the City of Tshwane to act without delay. The contamination is believed to be caused by unchlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant.
When
23 October 2026
Where
Bronkhorstspruit, Pretoria
Status
Reported

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