By Abdullahi Lukman
South Africa’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation has assured the country’s residents that Tshwane’s water supply remains safe following reports of 48 typhoid fever cases in Hammanskraal, Bronkhorstspruit, and parts of eastern Pretoria since January.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that no traces of Salmonella Typhi bacteria—the cause of typhoid fever—were detected in the city’s water supply systems, including those managed by Magalies and Rand Water.
This confirmation came after a high-level meeting on 3 November 2025, chaired by Minister Pemmy Majodina alongside Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, Gauteng MEC Jacob Mamabolo, and Acting Executive Mayor Eugene Modise.
The meeting reviewed technical reports and response measures implemented by the City of Tshwane, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
Officials commended the City’s ongoing water quality testing and monitoring to prevent any possible spread of the bacteria.
The DWS has also requested support from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to provide independent testing and verification.
While confirming water safety, the Ministry acknowledged ongoing supply challenges in parts of Tshwane.
The Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works is currently operating below its design capacity—38 megalitres per day instead of 54—due to ageing infrastructure. The City has begun implementing plans to restore full operations and upgrade the facility.
Minister Majodina expressed concern that the typhoid cases emerged in communities recently affected by a cholera outbreak, both diseases linked to poor sanitation and unsafe food handling.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing water supply issues, highlighting progress on the Klipdrift Package Plant in Hammanskraal, which aims to ease local shortages.
In the interim, Tshwane will continue supplying water through tankers to affected areas, with strict monitoring mechanisms in place.
The Ministry urged residents to avoid drinking untreated water from rivers, dams, or streams and to observe proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, safe food handling, and proper water storage.
“Water is central to public health,” the Ministry stated, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring clean, reliable, and safe water for all Tshwane residents.
