South Africa: Coordinated Response Launched to Tackle Bronkhorstspruit Water Illness Surge

An emergency response team has been formed in South Africa to address a surge in gastrointestinal illness among children and residents of Bronkhorstspruit, a town in the City of Tshwane municipality. This followed 408 reported cases between October 7 and 18, 2026.

The cause is suspected to be contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW). This conclusion was drawn after laboratory tests by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) detected Norovirus, Campylobacter, Shigella and other pathogens in infected patients' stool samples, alongside water quality tests showing extremely high levels of E. coli and total coliforms from the BWTW and nearby reservoirs.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, explained that this is the first time such a large-scale outbreak has been traced back to a single water source. Further tests are being conducted to identify any other harmful contaminants.

The City of Tshwane experienced issues with chlorine supply between September 24 and October 14, leading to unchlorinated water which is unsafe for consumption. The City failed to warn residents about this danger.

In response, the DWS appointed the Water Research Commission to conduct an independent investigation and tests. The BWTW was closed on October 14 and reopened on October 16 after chlorine supply was restored, but the water was not safe for drinking. Truckers have been distributing clean drinking water to affected areas, and the City is increasing this supply.

The DWS is also working with Rand Water to improve the BWTW and address ongoing issues. While substantial resources have been invested, the work is ongoing and a timeline for when residents can safely drink water from the BWTW remains uncertain. Residents are advised not to consume, bathe, brush teeth, cook or wash clothes with tap water and instead use water from tankers stored in clean containers.