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Public Protector investigates Tshwane over Bronkhorstspruit water crisis

Published

The Public Protector opened the investigation after complaints from EFF and FF Plus politicians about unchlorinated water. Reports link the water to 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness, most of them in children under four.

EFF treasurer-general and MP Omphile Maotwe and FF Plus regional leader Willie Spies lodged the complaints. Maotwe alleges the city failed to chlorinate water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant between 24 September and 14 October. She also alleges the city did not warn residents that the water was unsafe, and that it ran out of chlorine because of problems with its supplier.

Spies alleges the city failed to pass critical information to senior management and did not oversee the plant properly. He also says it failed to warn residents about water safety. The 408 cases were recorded between 7 and 18 October.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya admitted that the city did not communicate adequately with residents. Public Protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said the investigation team visited the plant after the complaints.

Segalwe said: "The investigation team was informed that the plant had been decommissioned as an interim measure to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of the entire water system."

Key facts

Who
Oupa Segalwe (Public Protector spokesperson); Nasiphi Moya (Tshwane Mayor); Johann Mettler (Tshwane city manager); Public Protector (investigating body)
What
The Public Protector has opened an investigation into the City of Tshwane following a water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit that has been linked to more than 400 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness. The EFF had lodged a complaint on Wednesday calling for Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and city manager Johann Mettler to be investigated.
When
22 October 2026
Where
Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, South Africa
Status
Reported

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