Tshwane admits negligence after 408 fall ill in Bronkhorstspruit
The City of Tshwane has admitted negligence after supplying unchlorinated water from the sewage-polluted Bronkhorstspruit River for three weeks without warning residents, leaving more than 400 people sick.
Tens of thousands of children in Tshwane fell ill after the city failed to properly chlorinate its water supply. Government investigations revealed the City of Tshwane neglected to chlorinate water for three weeks, leading to dangerous levels of bacteria like E. coli and Coliforms. Between October 7-18, 408 cases were recorded in Region 7, where young children were most affected.
The crisis peaked on October 13 when 72 new cases were reported in a single day, overwhelming local clinics and hospitals. Investigations by NICD and DWS connected the cases to contaminated municipal water from the Bronkhorstpruit Water Treatment Works. Further tests found Norovirus, Campylobacter, and Shigella. Experts noted the root cause was raw sewage pollution from upstream dysfunctional wastewater treatment works.
Tshwane shut down the treatment plant on October 14, restoring chlorine the next day. Authorities deployed 36 tankers and assigned Rand Water to oversee repairs. Until safety standards are met, water usage is limited to toilet flushing only.
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