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Cholera: From Hammanskraal to national crisis as blame game continues
The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal is no longer a local issue, but a national crisis. And the ensuing blame game continues.
A ‘Stop Cholera’ sign outside the Jubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal on 21 May 2023, as the hospital deals with a cholera outbreak. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
Contrary to initial assumptions, the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak seems to extend far beyond the borders of Tshwane.
With cases now being reported in the Free State and Limpopo, the outbreak is evolving into full-blown national crisis.
Cholera goes national
For the Democratic Alliance (DA), this development was the perfect opportunity to clap back at the African National Congress’ (ANC) scathing statement.
ANC says, DA says
On Tuesday, the ruling party accused the DA of neglect, pointing to the City of Tshwane as the primary culprit for the outbreak.
The ANC also said the opposition party failed to provide basic services to the poorer regions under its control.
In response to the ANC’s statement, the DA swung the blame back into the ruling party’s court, citing years of national neglect and mismanagement.
Green Drop report
The opposition party said South Africa’s water crisis costs the country nearly R250 million every year.
The DA cited the 2014 Green Drop report, revealing how 84% of the country’s wastewater treatment plants are discharging untreated sewage into our rivers daily.
The 9-year-old report mentioned five plants in Gauteng which were, at that time already, “in a critical position”.
This included the Ekangala and Rethabisent plants in the City of Tswhane.
Action SA joins the fray
Meanwhile, in a separate development, ActionSA’s Independent Commission of Inquiry delivered a scathing report against the City of Tshwane.
Action SA accuses the City of Tshwane of insensitivity, non-transparency, and failure to accept accountability in handling Hammanskraal’s water crisis.
The party called on the DA-led City of Tshwane to provide a clear solution to this 16-year-old crisis within 90 days, failing which they may face legal repercussions.
With the escalating water crisis and an intensifying blame game, it is becoming increasingly crucial for the country’s leaders to focus on taking immediate and effective action.
