Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo,
Mathjabeng
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, conducted an oversight visit to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality recently to assess progress on the municipality’s wastewater infrastructure refurbishment programme implemented by the Vaal Central Water Board.
During engagements with Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, senior management from Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Vaal Central Water Board, Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) and multi-party councillors, the Deputy Minister welcomed the strides made in restoring critical wastewater infrastructure. He noted, however, that communities continue to experience sewage spills in streets and homes, with negative impacts on health, dignity, and the environment.
Deputy Minister Seitlholo highlighted electricity supply challenges to sewage plants and the effects of past vandalism, theft and sabotage and commended efforts to secure the upgraded infrastructure through cameras and security personnel.
Acting Departmental Provincial Head in the province, Mr Nkhumeleni Musekene, reported that Matjhabeng Local Municipality operates 11 wastewater treatment works, 10 of which are in a critical state, prompting the current intervention. He further confirmed that multiple directives and criminal cases had been pursued historically due to non-compliance by the municipality.
Deputy Minister Seitlholo called for municipalities across the country to move beyond traditional brick-and-mortar wastewater plants and urgently adopt alternative, decentralised and cost-effective sanitation technologies to tackle mounting pollution and capacity failures. He said that the Water Research Commission (WRC) has already trialled waterless and semi-water sanitation innovations that could be scaled to municipalities like Matjhabeng.
“South Africa cannot continue relying solely on conventional wastewater treatment works and pump stations, especially where municipalities simply cannot afford them. Decentralised and innovative sanitation solutions are not optional, they are essential if we want to stop sewage in our streets, protect our rivers, and uphold basic dignity,” said Deputy Minister Seitlholo.
The Deputy Minister further reaffirmed that municipalities polluting water resources will face accountability measures and confirmed that amendments to the National Water Act, 1998 are underway to introduce personal liability for officials responsible for water pollution.
He also stressed the need for municipalities to employ technically skilled personnel for proper operation and maintenance once refurbishment works are completed. The Department will continue to enforce compliance and regulatory standards to ensure municipalities meet national sanitation norms.
The oversight visit to Matjhabeng forms part of a ministerial intervention aimed at turning around the municipality and ensuring that government interventions translate into real improvements on the ground. For the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the visit highlights a continued commitment to support Matjhabeng in stabilising its wastewater systems, safeguarding environmental and public health, and restoring confidence in municipal sanitation services.
