No accountability for Vaal River crisis, SAHRC report reveals
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) deems the pollution at the Vaal River to be beyond acceptable standards.
A report probing the pollution of the Vaal River finds that none of the government parties central to the saga has taken accountability for the pollution of the river which the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says is “beyond acceptable standards”.
BLAME SHIFTING BY PARTIES CENTRAL TO VAAL RIVER CRISIS
In a webinar hosted by the Mail and Guardian on Wednesday 17 February, outlining the contents of the report, it is revealed that the Emfuleni Local Municipality, the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) have over the course of the SAHRC’s investigation – which began in 2018 – shifted the blame to other parties – including one another – for the crisis at the Vaal River.
Why we need the Blue and Green Drop reports: ‘Everyone in SA lives downstream from a sewage discharge point’
17 Feb 2021
Everyone in South Africa lives downstream from a sewage discharge point into their drinking water supply, which is why the Blue and Green Drop reports are so important. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
Everyone in South Africa lives downstream from a sewage discharge point into their drinking water supply, which is why the Blue and Green Drop reports are so important, says water specialist Anthony Turton.
The country has a closed-loop system, whereby all drinking water comes from a river or dam, but all sewage and industrial wastewater is returned to the same river but in a different place, explains the professor at the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State.
Sona 2021: Let s support businesses and individuals most affected - Ramaphosa
11 February 2021 8:47 PM
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President Cyril Ramaphosa s address focuses on COVID-19, economic recovery and reforms as well as the fight against corruption.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise,
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo,
Deputy President David Mabuza,
Former President Thabo Mbeki and Mrs Mbeki,
Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete,
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and esteemed members of the judiciary,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
Honourable Members of the National Council of Provinces,
Dean of the European Region, representing the Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Beka Dvali,