Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina have arrived in Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, amid growing concern over a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that has affected 408 people.
The officials are visiting the area on Monday, 26 October 2026, to assess the water crisis and the response to reports of illness linked to the consumption of contaminated water.
The cases were recorded between 7 and 18 October, with children under the age of four among those affected. Health authorities have confirmed that laboratory tests detected Norovirus, Campylobacter and Shigella in patient samples. No cholera was detected in the samples tested.
The outbreak has raised serious concerns about the safety of the local water supply. Investigations found that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works had not been chlorinated between 24 September and 14 October because of difficulties with the municipality’s chlorine supplier. Water quality tests also detected high levels of E. coli and total coliforms.
Mashatile and Majodina are expected to inspect the water treatment works, receive updates on corrective measures and engage with authorities on efforts to restore a safe and reliable water supply. The Deputy President is also scheduled to visit patients receiving treatment at Bronkhorstspruit District Hospital.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow official water safety advisories and avoid using tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing their teeth or washing food until authorities confirm it is safe.
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