MOTHUTLUNG, North West — Twelve years after 4 protesters were shot dead by police during a demonstration over water access, the Mothutlung water crisis remains a stark reality for the community. Despite the National Department of Water and Sanitation stripping the Madibeng Local Municipality of its Water Services Authority status in 2014, basic service delivery continues to falter, leaving residents grappling with unresolved human rights challenges.
The tragic events of January 2014 unfolded after Mothutlung residents had been without water for several days and took to the streets. Police opened fire, leaving 4 protesters shot dead. More than a decade later, community members report that little has changed. Residents cite compounding crises extending beyond water to include electricity, housing, schools, and policing, alongside growing concerns about youth vulnerability to street gangs and “street junkers.”
In 2014, following allegations that municipal officials were deliberately sabotaging water infrastructure to create lucrative business for private water tanker operators, Magalies Water was appointed to oversee water services in the region.
However, the refurbishment of the local water treatment plant has faced significant hurdles. A spokesperson for Magalies Water explained that while the entity maintains a cordial working relationship with the Madibeng Local Municipality, initial challenges arose from community members and local business forums. Although those specific issues have since been resolved, technical obstacles remain.
“Upgrading a live plant requires us to engage with the asset owner, in this instance, the Madibeng Local Municipality, to request plant shutdowns,” the Magalies Water spokesperson noted. “Working with high-voltage electricity, chemicals, and other hazardous paraphernalia makes it highly risky to continue upgrades while the plant is live.” These necessary safety protocols have caused significant delays in addressing key infrastructure issues.
Originally, officials had guaranteed an October completion date for the refurbishment project. That timeline has since been pushed back, with Magalies Water now expecting the project to be fully completed by February 2027.
Under the Water Services Act of 1997, the Madibeng Local Municipality remains the designated water services authority responsible for the treatment plant. Legal observers note that the long-term failure and lack of maintenance at the facility represent a direct breach of this statutory duty.
Political parties within the Madibeng Municipal Council have offered varying explanations for the ongoing delays. Some representatives point to the influence of private water tanker operators, alleging that the financial interests surrounding water delivery are the primary reason residents remain without a reliable supply.
Compounding the service delivery crisis are severe leadership and financial management challenges within the municipality. The municipal manager was recently suspended for allegedly contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Additionally, Mayor Douglas Mayan was removed from his mayoral and proportional representation councillor positions.
Political representatives have stated that these leadership developments have further destabilized service delivery, alleging that the municipality improperly used the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) fund to finance operational projects, which is prohibited under the MFMA. In response, local leaders have pledged to activate every stalled project, particularly those aimed at supplying residents with water, criticizing any motives that would halt the deployment of water trucks.
As the November 4 elections approach, residents of Mothutlung and surrounding townships say they will heavily weigh their lived experiences of the past 12 years when casting their ballots. For many, access to basic human rights and reliable municipal services remains deeply unresolved.
