PRETORIA – In the face of the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley, Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) Federal Leader, Liam Jacobs, has taken a bold step by filing an official complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Born and raised in the Northern Cape, Liam expressed his concerns for his family and fellow Kimberley residents facing daily struggles without access to water.

Liam’s journey intensified on November 23 when he posted an open letter on Facebook addressing key figures, including Bently Vass MEC of Coghsta, Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape, Executive Mayor Kaghiso Sonyoni, and President Cyril Ramaphosa in an Open Letter regarding the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley. In his posts, Liam declared, “I am tired of the ongoing water outages in my hometown of Kimberley… Water is a basic right!” Subsequently, from screenshots posted on 30 November, he formally lodged a complaint with the SAHRC against the Mayor and Sol Plaatje Municipality, garnering attention and support.

The Kimberley Prospector, in its pursuit of transparency and accountability, also sought answers from the SAHRC through an email inquiry on November 27. Unfortunately, their questions remained unanswered until publication lodged a formal collective citizen’s complaint on November 28. Anthony Wyngaard at the NC SAHRC took the formal complaint seriously, marking a stark difference from the media inquiry response and responded within 3 minutes of receiving the collective complaint. Wyngaard’s reply included attached the [PDF] National Water Act (36 1998) National Norms and Standards for Domestic Water and Sanitation Services Version 3-Final.pdf

Liam Jacobs alongside The Kimberley Prospector, underscores the urgency of the water crisis with the collective number of complaints now reaching a staggering 151 residents submitted to the SAHRC for immediate investigation and intervention.

Unanswered Questions Linger

However, concerns continue to arise from a lack of transparency. DA member, Elize Niemann, commented on a Facebook post, suggesting that Liam’s complaint had already been filed before the collective complaint, raising questions about the SAHRC’s transparency regarding the water crisis and unanswered inquiries.

In the email inquiry sent to the SAHRC by The Kimberley Prospector on November 27, 2023, the following questions were raised:

1. Is the South African Human Rights Commission currently investigating any human rights abuses related to the water crisis in Kimberley?
   
2. What criteria does the SAHRC use to determine when a lack of access to water becomes a human rights violation? Is there a specific timeframe after which it is considered a violation?
   
3. Have any complaints been lodged with the SAHRC regarding the water crisis in Kimberley, and if so, could you provide details or updates on these complaints?
   
4. Are there any actions or interventions planned or underway by the SAHRC in response to the Kimberley water crisis?
   
5. Have political parties or other organizations, such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), lodged any complaints or engaged with the SAHRC regarding the water crisis in Kimberley?

Media’s Struggle Continues

The Kimberley Prospector questions why the DA or its members seem hesitant to actively support the collective citizen’s complaint. Allegations of media censorship, citizen abuse, and potential disinformation as part of a continued gaslighting campaign cast a shadow over the issues in Kimberley. The publication encourages Liam Jacobs to delve into the struggle for media and citizen rights and to guide his party towards a resolution.

In supporting Liam’s initiative, The Kimberley Prospector seeks clarity on the timeline of his official complaint filing and emphasizes the need for collective action to address the water crisis in Kimberley. Water is indeed a basic right, and every effort is crucial in ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard.

Residents Take Action

Meanwhile, Kimberley residents have amplified their concerns, with complaints rising to 151 and continuing. Recognizing the severity of the situation, The Kimberley Prospector has attached the growing number of complaints to a formal collective submission from affected citizens to the South African Human Rights Commission.

If you believe your basic right to access to water has been violated fill in the form for submission to the SAHRC.

Voice Your Concerns

The community is encouraged to fill out the Kimberley Water Supply Feedback Form, available at https://kby.za.net/i-have-no-water-form, to voice their challenges and contribute to the collective effort for a swifter resolution.

Liam’s Journey on Facebook

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