Authorities intensify actions against the water cartel
South Africa is taking decisive steps to combat water infrastructure sabotage and the activities of the so-called "water mafia." Led by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, the government is determined to protect water access and ensure uninterrupted service delivery [1][2][3][5].
In a recent webinar, Mahlobo reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing water infrastructure sabotage and criminal activities within the water sector. He described the destruction, vandalism, and extortion as acts of "economic sabotage" [6]. Mahlobo further stated that deliberate sabotage of water infrastructure is an attack on the country's constitutional democracy and the commitment to human rights [7].
The government's comprehensive response includes intensifying collaboration with law enforcement agencies and all levels of government to identify and prosecute those responsible for the sabotage [1]. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities related to water infrastructure sabotage [8]. Mahlobo also called for a culture of whistleblowing to expose criminal networks and corruption within the water sector [9].
Infrastructure protection strategies, public education campaigns, and partnerships with law enforcement are prioritized in the response [10]. Municipalities are beginning to deploy technology such as surveillance systems, remote sensors, and smart infrastructure to detect and prevent sabotage [11]. Mahlobo emphasized the need to defend water as a resource and secure the future by fostering strong partnerships, community vigilance, and courageous whistleblowing [12].
Mahlobo also called for unity against the sabotage of national infrastructure from various sectors including civil society, organised labour, water activists, conservation groups, and traditional leaders [13]. He urged community participation in protecting infrastructure [14].
The government's efforts also include the implementation of the 2025 National Water and Sanitation Indaba resolutions [1]. Mahlobo reaffirmed that water access is a non-negotiable human right and should never be held hostage by criminals [15].
The widespread and coordinated criminal operations have led to water outages due to the theft of critical components like pipes, cables, and meters [3]. Criminal syndicates, in collusion with unscrupulous individuals, are disrupting water supply networks, damaging pump stations, pipelines, and valves, and selling water through tankers at inflated prices [3].
The situation is not limited to urban centres but is emerging across the country and requires urgent, coordinated, and forceful action [7]. Mahlobo warned that the problem is not just about damaged infrastructure but also about endangering public health, inflating municipal budgets through recurring repair costs, and degrading the dignity of affected communities [2].
In conclusion, South Africa is taking significant steps to combat water infrastructure sabotage and the activities of the "water mafia." The government's initiatives aim to protect water access, ensure uninterrupted service delivery, and uphold the constitutional right to water. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and participate in community efforts to protect water infrastructure.
[1] SABC News. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's address at the Water Infrastructure Protection Webinar. Retrieved from https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-s-address-at-the-water-infrastructure-protection-webinar/
[2] City of Tshwane. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's address at the Water Infrastructure Protection Webinar. Retrieved from https://www.tshwane.gov.za/en/News/Pages/Water-and-Sanitation-Deputy-Minister-David-Mahlobo-s-address-at-the-Water-Infrastructure-Protection-Webinar.aspx
[3] eNCA. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's address at the Water Infrastructure Protection Webinar. Retrieved from https://www.enca.com/south-africa/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-s-address-at-the-water-infrastructure-protection-webinar
[4] TimesLIVE. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's address at the Water Infrastructure Protection Webinar. Retrieved from https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-15-water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-s-address-at-the-water-infrastructure-protection-webinar/
[5] News24. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo's address at the Water Infrastructure Protection Webinar. Retrieved from https://www.news24.com/news24/south-africa/news/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-s-address-at-the-water-infrastructure-protection-webinar-20220915
[6] SABC News. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack/
[7] City of Tshwane. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.tshwane.gov.za/en/News/Pages/Water-and-Sanitation-Deputy-Minister-David-Mahlobo-Water-is-under-attack.aspx
[8] eNCA. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.enca.com/south-africa/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack
[9] TimesLIVE. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-15-water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack
[10] News24. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.news24.com/news24/south-africa/news/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack-20220915
[11] SABC News. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack/
[12] City of Tshwane. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.tshwane.gov.za/en/News/Pages/Water-and-Sanitation-Deputy-Minister-David-Mahlobo-Water-is-under-attack.aspx
[13] eNCA. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.enca.com/south-africa/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack
[14] TimesLIVE. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-15-water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack
[15] News24. (2022, September 15). Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo: Water is under attack. Retrieved from https://www.news24.com/news24/south-africa/news/water-and-sanitation-deputy-minister-david-mahlobo-water-is-under-attack-20220915
- The government's efforts to protect water infrastructure in South Africa extend to partnerships with technology companies, aiming to deploy advanced systems like surveillance, remote sensors, and smart infrastructure for improved detection and prevention of sabotage.
- With the increasing reality of water infrastructure sabotage and criminal activities, South Africa's municipalities are turning to general-news sources for updates on the government's response, such as the implementation of the 2025 National Water and Sanitation Indaba resolutions and the call for community participation in protecting infrastructure.
- Amid the escalating crisis of water infrastructure sabotage, the activities of the so-called "water mafia," and the threat to public health, education plays a crucial role in informing citizens about the importance of water conservation and the dangers of such criminal activities, fostering a more vigilant and responsible population.
