By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rhodes University confirmed that is it conducting urgent water quality testing at residences after cases of Gastrointestinal Illness cases were reported.
Fullview learnt that at least 109 Rhodes University students have fallen ill with gastrointestinal disease from a mysterious source.
This comes after more than 400 cases were reported over two weeks, with most patients younger than four years old in Bronkhorstspruit 50 km east of Pretoria, Gauteng.
Gastrointestinal Illness is primarily caused by infectious pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) transmitted through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact, as well as non-infectious triggers like chemical toxins, medications, or chronic digestive disorders.
Rhodes University spokesperson Olwethu Gwanya says affected individuals all eat and drink at the campus dining halls (including the Desmond Tutu, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Kimberly dining halls).
However, the exact source remains unconfirmed, and with Gwanya saying the university cannot definitively tie to a specific meal, water source, or environmental factor.
Makhanda faces an ongoing, severe water and sanitation crisis caused by aging infrastructure, frequent pipe bursts, delayed maintenance, and financial mismanagement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since confirmed the establishment of a national crisis committee to address the gastrointestinal illness outbreak.
Speaking during a campaign trail in Daveyton, Ramaphosa stated that the Committee is working towards a solution.
Ramaphosa said municipalities are responsible for water provision, but national government must intervene when necessary to address the crisis.
“We now have to intervene and make sure that people have safe drinking water. Not only in Tshwane, Johannesburg or Ekurhuleni but throughout the country. That is why we set up the National Water Crisis Committee.”
Meanwhile Rand Water has warned that a major water supply crisis could be looming as excessive consumption places its entire network under severe pressure.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rand Water said it is already pumping at maximum capacity, but demand continues to rise.
“Sustained overconsumption is making it increasingly difficult to balance supply across the network and heightens the risk of disruptions unless demand is brought under control,” the statement read.
Rand Water has therefore called on all municipal customers to implement immediate measures to reduce consumption and stabilise the system.