With the recent Western Cape flood emergency exacerbating the region’s water woes, residents face not just the immediate aftermath of the disaster but also the lingering threat of water mafias. As we reached out to the community of Hammanskraal, a township in Tshwane, it became evident that the battle for clean water has been marred by criminal activities and alleged corruption within local governance.
The problem of water mafias has been one of the most significant issues affecting service delivery across South Africa. According to an article by Engineering News, the water mafia crisis threatens the country’s most vital resource, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive water management reforms and stricter law enforcement to protect public water supplies.
In Tshwane, some residents have reported that gangsters control access to their local water reservoir in exchange for money. A report by GroundUp reveals that eight suspects are currently in court for allegedly extorting residents at government-owned flats in Mamelodi. This incident is a stark reminder of the widespread and organized nature of water-related crime in the area.
We spoke to Katlego, a 34-year-old woman from Hammanskraal, Tshwane, who shared her experiences and concerns about the water mafia. Despite improvements, she remains wary of a repeat of last year’s devastating cholera outbreak. Katlego explained:
“The situation is getting better, but we are still afraid of a repeat of what happened last year. I expect the worst every time I use water, knowing that we can’t expect an adequate response from the authorities. The Tshwane leadership only shifted the blame to the previous administration, practically sabotaging its responsibilities to correct the situation.”
Katlego recounted how, during the cholera outbreak, private water distributors began appearing in the township, offering clean water at a price. She noted:
“It was clear from the beginning that such a situation couldn’t occur without the authorities’ consent. We’ve seen representatives of the Democratic Alliance (DA) among those later called ‘the water mafia’ in the media. One man, who seemed to control water delivery and pricing, turned out to be the new Deputy Minister of Water, Sello Seitlholo. I recently recognized his photo.”
Based on Katlego’s account, it appears that the DA may have appointed a representative of the water mafia as the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. While these accusations remain unconfirmed, they raise serious concerns about potential collusion between local officials and criminal enterprises. Given the current flooding and ongoing water issues in the Western Cape, residents must be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
As we grapple with these revelations, questions arise about the integrity of those appointed to safeguard our water resources. Is the new Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, connected to the water mafia? The allegations certainly warrant further investigation. In the meantime, it is crucial for residents to stay alert and proactive in reporting any dubious activities related to water distribution.
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