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Ramaphosa apologises over Bronkhorstspruit water crisis as budget looms

Published

President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised for the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, in which 408 people fell ill with gastrointestinal illness between October 7 and 18. Economists expect Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to announce fuel-price interventions in the medium-term budget policy statement.

The 408 cases followed exposure to unchlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works. Ramaphosa said, "We’re very sorry". Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya said the city did not communicate well enough with residents about the contamination.

Ramaphosa also said coalition governments tie the hands of municipalities and constrain service delivery. The local government elections take place on November 4.

Economists expect the budget statement to offer households limited relief. They say petrol prices rose by almost 50% and diesel prices by 72% since the US-led war against Iran constrained oil supply. The South African Revenue Service is expected to collect an extra R40bn from the mining sector, because of higher precious metal prices.

Key facts

Who
Enoch Godongwana (Finance minister); Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC president and President of South Africa); Nasiphi Moya (Tshwane mayor)
When
21 October 2026
Where
Cape Town, South Africa, Daveyton
Status
Reported

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