By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) confirmed that there are 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness reported in Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding areas in Tshwane.
Ministers of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya briefed the members of the media.
The department’s investigation found that difficulties with the chlorine supplier had resulted in water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works going unchlorinated between 24 September and 14 October.
The investigation also found that the City had failed to warn residents that water was not chlorinated and should not be drunk or used for cooking, washing or bathing, even after boiling, as required by the 2025 Compulsory Standards for Water Services issued under the Water Services Act.
Between 7 and 18 October, 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported among residents of Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, Dark City, Rethabiseng and Sokhulumi. Most of those affected were under four years old.
No deaths had been reported by Monday.
The number of new cases peaked on 13 October, when 72 were recorded. A further 16 cases were reported on Sunday.
Majodina revealed that an investigation by the department found that the City of Tshwane Municipality experienced difficulties with chlorine supply, resulting in unchlorinated water emanating from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW) between 24 September and 14 October.
Unchlorinated water should not be drunk or used for cooking, neither is it safe for washing or bathing, even after boiling.
Majodina explained that the source of the illness is believed to be contaminated water emanating from the BWTW.
“The NICD tests detected Norovirus, Campylobacter and Shigella in three of four specimens analysed, together with other pathogens that cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea. No cholera bacteria were found in the sampled stools,” Majodina stated.
The Minister noted that finding mixed pathogens in the samples as well as the rapid spread “point to a common water supply being the likely source of illness”.
“This is corroborated by water quality tests conducted by DWS on 14 October which found extremely high levels of E. coli and total coliforms in the water emanating from the BWTW and in the Ekandustria [near Dark City] and Zithobeni reservoirs.”
“Further tests are currently being conducted to confirm whether any other harmful contaminants are present in the water. Further specimens are being collected by NICD to strengthen epidemiological evidence and to determine whether a formal outbreak declaration is required,” Majodina said.
Additionally, the DWS has appointed the Water Research Commission (WRC) to conduct independent water quality tests as well as an independent investigation of the causes of contaminated water being supplied to residents.
That report is expected to be released by 28 October.
Moya admitted negligence over the failure to chlorinate the water, saying the city had run out of chlorine after a dispute with its supplier. “We take responsibility for the negligence.”
She said the supplier had increased its prices fourfold and the city had been unable to reach an agreement through negotiations.
“Even the officials failed to inform us, as leadership, that there was an issue of chlorine at the plant,” she said.
Moya said action against officials responsible for managing the treatment works was under way through the city’s chief operating officer.
The City is in the process of appointing Rand Water to improve the BWTW in order to address challenges including components that are not working.
Motsoaledi stated that those affected by the gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit range in age from a one-month-old infant to a 60-year-old adult.
“Residents who develop symptoms of illness should seek medical attention early and report suspected cases to their nearest healthcare facility or local health authority. Early reporting protects not only individuals and families but also enables health authorities to respond quickly and prevent further spread, said Motsoaledi.