Civil society organisations Be the Future Foundation, WaterCAN, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Defend Our Democracy have expressed deep concern and disappointment over the continued silence of the Rand West City Municipality in response to urgent water safety warnings in Bekkersdal and Simunye.
Despite a formal letter sent on 19 May 2025, highlighting dangerous levels of contamination in household and community tap water, the municipality has failed to respond or take any known action. Independent testing by the organisations revealed that 7 out of 11 tap water samples were unsafe for human consumption, with several testing positive for E. coli and total coliforms — clear indicators of faecal contamination and serious health risk.
“It is simply unacceptable that after being alerted to a public health emergency, the municipality has neither warned residents nor initiated remedial action. Every day of inaction is a day that communities are exposed to water that may cause illness or worse,” said Mr Sandile Soxokashe, Executive Director of Be the Future Foundation.
The testing was conducted between April and May 2025 using WaterCAN’s iLab citizen science indicator water testing kits. The findings also confirmed moderate phosphate pollution — a signal of possible sewage or industrial contamination. While chemical parameters like nitrates and nitrites were within safe limits, microbiological contamination was significant enough to demand immediate intervention.
“We are not just sounding the alarm — we are offering evidence, partnership, and solutions. Yet, the silence from those responsible for basic service delivery is deafening,” said Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Director of WaterCAN.
The organisations are calling on the Rand West City Municipality to:
- Immediately issue a Boil Water Notice for residents of Bekkersdal and Simunye.
- Conduct comprehensive municipal water testing to confirm contamination.
- Meet with civil society and community leaders to develop an urgent response plan.
- Fix the long-dormant water reticulation infrastructure and non-functional water tanks.
- Ensure the right to clean, safe drinking water, as enshrined in the South African Constitution.
“We are watching a slow-motion disaster unfold, one that the government has the power — and duty — to stop. This is not just a governance failure; it’s a moral one,” said Mr Kabelo Kemp, from Defend Our Democracy.
The organisations warn that if no response is received in the coming days, they will escalate their concerns to provincial and national government structures and consider legal or protest action.
“This is about dignity and justice. The failure to act on water safety is a violation of the basic rights of people who are already marginalised,” stressed Ms Obakeng Kgatshe, the Youth Activism Manager of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
NOTE
This campaign is endorsed and supported by the following organisations and partners:
- Sabangena ngetihlamolo
- Macua
- West Rand Community Association
Media Contacts:
- Mr Sandile Soxokashe, Executive director Be the Future Foundation – [0655499605]
- Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Director WaterCAN – [0741813197]
- Mr Kabelo Kemp, National Organizer Defend Our Democracy – [0720571922]
- Ms Obakeng Kgatshe, AFK Youth Activism Manager – [0846759483]
