The Kimberley Prospector

The Kimberley Prospector, a local digital community newspaper, reports facing continued censorship from various entities regarding coverage of the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This includes the Democratic Alliance (DA) Northern Cape Structure, including Provincial Leader Harold McGluwa, as well as DA Councillors, and NOCCI Kimberley (led by a former DA Ward Councillor). The Prospector alleges that these entities have blocked the newspaper and in some instances even residents, from engaging with their social media accounts.

The Kimberley Prospector is now proudly censored and blocked by the Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) on X, Democratic Alliance Northern Cape (DANC) on X, Facebook and WhatsApp and now also by NOCCI Kimberley on Facebook.

The continued censorship appears focused on our reporting and questioning of the management of the Newton Reservoir and Riverton water supply systems and the dissemination of “misleading” information. The questions stemmed from a Water Update shared verbatim by NOCCI Kimberley from DA Ward Councillor Chris Whittaker on 20 February. The update claimed issues at Newton Reservoir and Riverton were resolved, yet offered no specifics and contradicted the continued water supply problems experienced by many residents. This lack of transparency and the disconnect between the update’s claims and reality fueled the frustrations of the community.

The following questions remain unanswered:

• Newton Reservoir Pumping: If the Newton Reservoir is reportedly pumping, why are residents served by the reservoir experiencing critically low water pressure or no water at all?
• Newton Reservoir Levels: Why are levels at the Newton Reservoir consistently low, despite daily and nightly scheduled water interruptions designed to allow for refilling? Specifically, if residents experience a total of 14 hours or more each day without water.
• Management Oversight: Where is the promised oversight of Newton Reservoir and Riverton, and what specific reports can councillors provide on the situation?
• Accountability for Problems: What specific mechanical faults, human errors, and infrastructure issues are causing the water crisis, and what changes have been made at both facilities in recent years?

The Kimberley Prospector asserts that residents deserve clear answers and that the alleged censorship prevents transparency and accountability. We stand united with the community in demanding detailed explanations from councillors of all political parties regarding the causes of the water crisis and the immediate steps being taken to address it and provide urgent relief.

The Kimberley Prospector continues to work on a full expose regarding citizen abuse and media censorship in Kimberley which is to be published soon.