Sello Seitlholo Calls for United Effort Against Water Pollution and Invasive Aquatic Weeds

Seitlholo conducted a two-day oversight visit to key water bodies, including Blesbokspruit Wetlands near Springs, Ekurhuleni, and Jukskei River in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the department and its entities in addressing the growing crisis of water pollution. One of the key concerns is the rapid spread of invasive aquatic weeds, particularly water hyacinth, which pose a significant threat to the country’s water resources.

Seitlholo conducted a two-day oversight visit to key water bodies, including Blesbokspruit Wetlands near Springs, Ekurhuleni, and Jukskei River in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg. The visits aimed to assess the impact of water pollution and the measures in place to combat it. The Deputy Minister also inspected wastewater pump stations at Olifantsfontein Water Care Works, managed by Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), as well as Zandspruit Wastewater Treatment Works, operated by the City of Johannesburg.

The Battle Against Invasive Hyacinth

Blesbokspruit Wetlands, a Ramsar-listed site in the Upper Vaal catchment, has been significantly affected by the uncontrolled spread of water hyacinth, covering up to 12 kilometres of the water body. Despite removal efforts using manual labour and biological control—such as the introduction of Megamelus scutellaris insects, which feed on the plant—the weed continues to spread, leading to ecosystem destruction.

While the Deputy Minister is resolute about eradicating hyacinth, he acknowledged a unique economic opportunity emerging from its use. In Ekurhuleni, local entrepreneurs are harvesting dried hyacinth to create home decor, baskets, and charcoal briquettes. Seitlholo emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental conservation and economic sustainability.

Success at the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir

During his visit to the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir, Seitlholo observed how a combination of community efforts, biological control, and chemical treatments had drastically reduced hyacinth coverage. The weed, which previously occupied 400 hectares of the dam, has been reduced to just 12 hectares.

Jukskei River Pollution and Community Action

In Alexandra and Bruma, Seitlholo noted severe pollution in the Jukskei River, primarily caused by failing municipal wastewater infrastructure. However, he commended community-led initiatives that have rehabilitated sections of the river by actively removing litter and debris. These efforts not only keep the river clean but also educate the public on the consequences of pollution.

Water Pollution: A National Crisis

Seitlholo stressed that water pollution remains a national crisis, particularly in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub. He warned that polluted rivers directly affect the quality of potable water and increase the costs of water treatment. He called for a societal approach to tackle the issue, urging communities, municipalities, and industries to take responsibility for pollution control.

“Society needs to understand that the value chain of water does not begin at the tap but rather at the rivers and wetlands. If our water sources are polluted, the cost of treating bulk water rises significantly,” Seitlholo stated.

Acid Mine Drainage Treatment and Wastewater Infrastructure Challenges

The oversight visit also included an assessment of the East Basin Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Plant, managed by Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA). This plant treats toxic water produced by abandoned mines, which release acidic and hazardous substances into the environment.

A visit to the Zandspruit wastewater pump station highlighted serious infrastructure failures, leading to the discharge of over 30 million litres of raw sewage into the Jukskei River, eventually reaching Hartbeespoort Dam. The Deputy Minister assured that the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit would closely monitor the station and ensure that polluters are held accountable under the polluter-pay principle.

Call to Action: Safeguarding South Africa’s Water Resources

As South Africa commemorates Water Month, Seitlholo urged all citizens to take action in protecting and preserving water sources. He reiterated the government’s commitment to combating pollution and ensuring that water quality in the country’s rivers and wetlands is restored.

“We will continue our efforts to eliminate pollution and secure high-quality water for all South Africans. But we cannot do it alone—we need communities, municipalities, and industries to join hands in this fight,” Seitlholo concluded.