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Ramaphosa accuses Tshwane of dereliction of duty over water

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At least 400 people fell ill with gastrointestinal illnesses in Bronkhorstspruit after exposure to unchlorinated water. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the situation unacceptable on Monday, while Tshwane's deputy mayor blamed a lack of chlorine.

Ramaphosa said the municipality's failures would lead to diseases spreading. He announced a national water crisis committee and said government is preparing for El Niño. He said El Niño would bring reduced rainfall, particularly around the middle of the summer season.

Reports said poor water quality at the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant was flagged in the 2023 Blue Drop report. The plant scored 42.3%, against a benchmark of 95% for drinking-water compliance. Reports also said the department of water and sanitation sent Tshwane a letter of noncompliance in February, and that commitments were not met.

Tshwane deputy mayor Eugene Modise disputed that the city ignored warnings. He said a chlorine supplier wanted to raise its price fourfold, which the municipality could not afford. He also said municipal officials failed to inform political leaders of the problem in time.

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); Eugene Modise (Tshwane deputy mayor and ANC Tshwane chairperson); City of Tshwane (municipality accused of dereliction of duty over water services); Sunday Times (newspaper that reported the water quality problems and prior warnings)
What
Ramaphosa called the Bronkhorstspruit water situation "unacceptable" and said the municipality had failed in its duties, as it faces questions over a chlorine supply failure linked to an outbreak. Tshwane deputy mayor Eugene Modise disputed the Sunday Times report that the municipality ignored prior warnings, blaming the outbreak on lack of chlorine.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, South Africa
Status
Reported

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