The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has formally submitted a complaint to the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality over the city’s ongoing water crisis. The complaint, lodged by local resident Michael Hawthorne on behalf of residents and businesses, alleges multiple failures by the municipality.
Hawthorne submitted a complaint on behalf of a collective 273 of concerned residents and businesses. The complaint highlights concerns raised by multiple citizens who allege that frequent water shortages, low water pressure, poor communication about outages, unaddressed water leaks, illegal connections, and inadequate infrastructure are violating their constitutional rights. Section 27 of the South African Constitution guarantees the right to access water, and Section 152 outlines the municipal obligation to provide basic services.
In its complaint, the SAHRC emphasizes the municipality’s constitutional duty as a water service provider. The Commission has demanded an urgent response within seven days from Municipal Manager Thapelo Matlala. The response should include:
- The municipality’s water services development plan.
- Relevant by-laws relating to water services.
- Details of water infrastructure projects funded by the municipality, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the National Treasury.
In a recent email to Hawthorne, SAHRC Northern Cape Senior Legal Officer Anthony Wyngaard confirmed that the allegations have been forwarded to the municipality and promised further communication once a response is received.
With the water crisis reaching critical levels, the SAHRC’s intervention could signal a pivotal moment for Kimberley’s beleaguered community. Residents continue to face severe water restrictions, impacting public health, sanitation, and daily life.