Untreated sewage continues to enter the Vaal River despite a 2023 Standerton Regional Court ruling that found the Lekwa Local Municipality guilty of pollution and imposed a R70 million fine, with residents and civil society demanding that responsible municipal officials face criminal charges.

Repeated Legal Action Fails To Halt Pollution

The Standerton Regional Court’s June 2023 decision required Lekwa Local Municipality to repair its crumbling sewage infrastructure in addition to the fine, but the municipality has failed to stop the flow of polluted water. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, R350 million has been allocated through the regional bulk infrastructure grant, but project completion has been postponed from March 2026 to July 2026, further delaying relief for affected communities.

Community representative Cornelius Stoltz filed a criminal complaint against Lekwa Municipality and its municipal manager, citing ongoing discharge and non-compliance with court directives. Emfuleni Local Municipality faces allegations of similar pollution. Civil society group AfriForum has laid criminal charges against Emfuleni’s municipal manager, April Ntuli, and the Freedom Front Plus laid charges against the municipality in 2020 for breaches of environmental law. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its intention to add further charges under the Criminal Procedure Act after concluding investigations.

Health Risks And Accountability Concerns Remain

David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, said during a recent oversight visit, “The delegation visited the Vaal sewer pump that was upgraded and handed over in 2025 to the municipality. However, lack of maintenance has led to effluent discharge into the Vaal River.” Residents remain exposed to public health risks, while the effectiveness of court orders and fines is increasingly under scrutiny.

The Vaal River remains a critical water source for the region, amplifying concerns about safe water access, environmental degradation, and the adequacy of municipal accountability mechanisms. The prolonged delays and repeated regulatory breaches raise questions about whether current enforcement is enough to deter further violations.

Further criminal proceedings are expected as local communities and advocacy groups continue to demand more decisive action against municipal managers responsible for ongoing environmental violations.