Press Statement by James Masango: DA Mayoral Candidate in Govan Mbeki
- Govan Mbeki continues to pollute rivers and streams despite a R200 million fine.
- Court order compels Govan Mbeki to address infrastructure challenges by December 2026.
- Sewer spills remains a daily occurrence
13 July 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Govan Mbeki’s Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, to ensure that the municipality prioritises infrastructure maintenance in the current financial year.
Expressing a concern on the municipality’s 2024/25 Annual Report, the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) noted that the municipality is spending far below the 8% norm that was set by the National Treasury for infrastructure repairs.
For several years, Govan Mbeki has been plagued by critical infrastructure failures which contributed to environmental pollution and has also resulted in persistent water shortages and power outages.
During 2024, the municipality was fined R200 million for the significant pollution of the environment. This includes the disposal of untreated sewer into Emzinoni, Trichardt Spruit, Wela Mlambo, Leandra N17 Pump Station, Waterval Hoek River, Blesbok Spruit, and Groot Spruit.
Of the R200m fine, R50m was suspended for a period of five years provided that no similar offence is committed. Additionally, the court had instructed the municipality to use the remaining R150 million to undertake the much-needed infrastructure repairs by December 2026.
Being compelled to do so, the DA finds it extremely concerning to note that no concrete steps were taken to eradicate sewer pollution in the municipality since this ruling was made.
Recent oversights that have been conducted to pump stations in Longtom Street Lebohang and Kindross have revealed that the pollution of our freshwater streams, rivers and land remains. In Extension 14, there’s another overflowing sewer due to a faulty pump station.
With the December deadline fast approaching, the DA will not relent, we will ensure that Govan Mbeki undertakes the necessary repairs as a means to avoid more penalties.
For media queries:
James Masango
DA Mayoral Candidate in Govan Mbeki
082 891 0717