Tshwane water crisis: 833 SICK, minister says NO outbreak

The number of people who have fallen ill after drinking contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, has climbed to 833, including 328 children aged four and younger.

Health officials recorded 27 new cases in the 24 hours leading up to Monday, 26 October, while three patients remain in hospital.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, however, insists there is no outbreak.

MINISTER DENIES TSHWANE WATER OUTBREAK

Majodina made the claim during a visit to Bronkhorstspruit District Hospital alongside Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

“I’m still firm that there’s no outbreak. There’s no death. There is no one that is critical,” she reportedly said.

She maintained that most patients received treatment for dehydration before leaving hospital.

MASHATILE VISITS TSHWANE AMID WATER CRISIS

Mashatile inspected the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works on Monday to assess the damage and government’s response.

He raised concerns about private water tankers operating in the area, questioning where suppliers obtained their water.

“We are quite concerned about private suppliers of water with water tankers because we don’t know where they get that water from,” he reportedly said.

Mashatile said authorities would investigate the operators to protect residents from further contamination.

As the chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Water and Sanitation, I am in Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, to receive updates on the condition of affected residents and the healthcare response following the… pic.twitter.com/OUTlEwfO0L

— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) October 26, 2026

WHAT CAUSED THE TSHWANE WATER CRISIS?

The City of Tshwane failed to adequately chlorinate water at the treatment plant between 24 September and 14 October.

Tests subsequently detected high levels of E. coli and coliform bacteria.

According to a report, a dispute over chlorine prices contributed to the shortage, with the municipality claiming its supplier increased prices by 400%.

The City has since secured additional chlorine and suspended the plant manager pending an investigation.

WHEN WILL WATER SUPPLY RETURN?

The plant remains closed as Rand Water assists with repairs.

Mashatile said the work could take several weeks but gave no reopening date.

Meanwhile, the City has deployed 36 water tankers to affected communities.

Authorities have urged residents to use approved alternative water supplies until tests confirm that tap water is safe to drink.