*The DA laid criminal charges against SDM over sewage pollution of the Olifants River, with E. coli levels exceeding 2,420 per 100 ml
*DA oversight exposed serious concerns about wastewater infrastructure and possible sewage contamination
*The DA demands urgent action, a formal investigation and accountability to protect public health and the environment
Today, the DA has laid criminal charges against Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) at Groblersdal Police Station over the discharge of sewage containing dangerously high levels of E. coli into the Olifants River.
Independent laboratory tests conducted on 25 September 2026 at three sites outside the Groblersdal main pump station recorded E. coli levels exceeding 2,420 per 100 ml. These findings raise serious concerns about faecal contamination and the potential threat to human health and the environment.
South African drinking-water standards require E. coli to be absent from drinking water. Although these standards do not determine the safety classification of river water, the laboratory results highlight the seriousness of the contamination and the urgent need for investigation.
During a DA oversight inspection, dried, compacted human waste was found in a sewer line at the pump station, raising serious questions about the condition and operation of the municipality’s wastewater infrastructure. The DA is concerned that sewage is entering the Olifants River, putting downstream water users, ecosystems and agricultural activities at risk. (See photos here, here, here and here)
Despite repeated commitments from SDM senior management over the past 18 months, the problems remain a serious concern. Residents cannot be expected to accept endless promises while wastewater infrastructure deteriorates and the environment is potentially exposed to harmful contamination. This is not merely an infrastructure concern — it is a matter of public health, environmental protection and municipal accountability.
The DA has laid criminal charges to demand a formal investigation into the source, extent and impact of the pollution and to establish whether any laws have been breached. SDM must account for the state of its wastewater infrastructure, explain what corrective measures have been taken and provide a clear plan with deadlines to address the problem.
Clean water is not negotiable, and accountability cannot be postponed. The Olifants River is a vital resource for communities, agriculture and the environment. The DA will continue to conduct oversight, demand answers and press for urgent action to stop pollution and protect this vital water resource.
On 4 November 2026, voters can choose the kind of local government they want: one that responds to serious service-delivery and environmental concerns with action, transparency and accountability. The DA is calling for clean and safe water, functioning wastewater infrastructure and a municipality that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.