Latest News & Developments
water pollution
‘Unacceptable Negligence’: Majodina suspends Lesotho Highlands Project over pollution breach
As investigations continue, Water Minister Pemmy Majodina has assured the public that swift action is being taken to restore environmental compliance and uphold safety standards across the region.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) reopens, easing water security concerns
The reopening of the Ash River Tunnel marks a pivotal moment for South Africa's water security, following a shutdown that raised concerns over water shortages.
SAHRC subpoenas Emfuleni Municipality over ongoing sewage crisis
The South African Human Rights Commission has subpoenaed the Emfuleni Local Municipality after years of sewage spillage complaints dating back to 2022.
Churches warned against Vaal River baptisms as flood risks escalate
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has warned churches to avoid performing baptisms and rituals in the Vaal River this Easter as dam levels exceed 110% capacity.
EThekwini Municipality faces wastewater treatment compliance issues
EThekwini Municipality's wastewater treatment works are operating without valid water use licences, raising concerns about compliance and service delivery.
Hlabisa urges immediate action for flood victims in Kwa-Zulu Natal
Over the past month, devastating floods across KZN have claimed the lives of more than 20 individuals and left over 200 others displaced.
Court delay sparks tension between ActionSA and DA over eThekwini sewage crisis
A crucial legal battle over eThekwini's sewage crisis has hit another roadblock as ActionSA accuses the DA of deliberately stalling court proceedings.
‘He was a puppet,’ says FF Plus after Mogale City Mayor resigned before motion of no confidence
Mogale City Mayor Danny Thupane resigned before he could face a motion of no confidence amid a service delivery crisis.
World Food Day 2024: Unlocking South Africa's indigenous crops to combat hunger, climate change, and boost food security
Current changing environments, characterised by extreme droughts and shortened growing seasons, favour indigenous crops.
Residents along Harts and Vaal rivers urged to be cautious as presence of cholera is confirmed
On Wednesday, the department said during raw water sampling in September, water from five sites namely; Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir indicated the presence of cholera.
Planned water disruptions in Tshwane: These are the areas that will be affected
The municipality said the shutdown was done to conduct maintenance work on the control valves located at the corner of Doreen Avenue and Rosslyn Road, in Region 1
‘We cook with this water’ - Modimolle residents plagued by brownish water for over two years
Over the past two years, residents of Phagameng township in Modimolle, Limpopo have been complaining to the Mookgopong-Modimolle municipality about the brownish water that comes from their taps.
Youth statement calls for inclusion in South Africa’s Just Transition
As South Africa embarks on its Just Energy Transition, youth are demanding a seat at the table. In light of the escalating climate crisis, their voices call for systemic change to ensure a more equitable future.
New guidebook aims to tackle Africa’s plastic waste crisis
SST's newly launched guidebook aims to address Africa’s growing plastic waste crisis by outlining clear, actionable steps.
Johannesburg High Court orders City of Joburg to do air quality test amid mounting Kya Sand waste crisis
The dumping sites service up to 200 trucks per day, each carrying various types of waste, such as garden waste, household waste, building rubble and waste, toxic waste, and even medical waste.
Coalition anxiety over matters of service delivery
Since the 2016 and 2021 local elections, which saw its most enormous loss, support for the African National Congress (ANC) has continued to decline.
Media tour sheds light on Joburg Water's vital infrastructure, showcasing reservoirs and towers
Joburg Water’s electro-mechanical operations manager, Gugulethu Quma, said the water system is supplied by the Rand Water’s Eikenhof System, through the extensive network and resources of the entity.
UK to implement ban on plastic-containing wet wipes
From the summer of 2024, the UK will implement a pioneering ban on plastic-containing wet wipes, addressing plastic pollution and safeguarding ecosystems.
Mashatile leads a task team to address water crisis
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the task team would meet after the Easter holidays.
Have your say — St Helena Bay coastal waters discharge permits under review
In a bid to enhance environmental protection measures, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has initiated a review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permits (CWDPs) issued to fish processing facilities in St Helena Bay.
For an ocean of plenty: The EFF’s vision for SA’s fisheries and ocean economy
OPINION: The EFF government will have special task teams to crack down on crime in the ocean economy, writes Nazier Paulsen.
This Western Cape municipality scored 101% on its water service delivery test
The Overstrand Municipality scored 101% on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s No Drop report, which measures the level of water service delivery. Head of Infrastructure for Overstrand Stephen Müller said they focus on the basics.
Nigerian state implements immediate ban on styrofoam, single-use plastics
Lagos State initiates urgent ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics in a bold step towards a cleaner, greener future.
UPL Chemicals denies involvement in eThekwini river pollution crisis
UPL Chemicals, based in Cornubia, north of Durban, denied contributing to the water pollution problem affecting rivers in eThekwini after the municipality said it was one of the contributors.
Minister Senzo Mchunu outlines plans to tackle water woes in SA
The minister’s plans to tackle the water woes included building infrastructure as well as maintaining and servicing the existing infrastructure. Accountability was a key factor in his plan.