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AfriForum Secures R160 Million Fine Against Dipaleseng Municipality for Water Pollution, Calls for Further Accountability

Published November 19, 2024
2 months ago

The Dipaleseng Local Municipality, inclusive of major towns such as Balfour and Greylingstad, has been hit with a substantial R160 million fine for continual water pollution spanning from December 2018 to August 2023. This sentence, levied by the Balfour Magistrate’s Court, marked a critical moment in South Africa's fight against environmental degradation, reflecting the severity of the offense under the National Environment Act and the National Water Act.





This outcome was warmly welcomed by AfriForum, the civil rights organization known for its rigorous environmental advocacy. Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s Head of Environmental Affairs, expressed relief at the court's decision, underlining the importance of stringent measures to protect South Africa's scarce water resources. However, while celebrating this legal victory, AfriForum emphasized that the financial penalty alone is insufficient.


Their call to action hinges on the need for individual accountability. AfriForum argues that the culprits, specifically the municipal officials responsible for the oversight of the water management system, should face personal consequences. Their negligence has spurred a dual burden on the taxpayers—first, exposing them to unsafe water, and subsequently, making them bear the financial burden of the fine.


De Klerk pointed out that while the fine penalizes the municipal body, it indirectly punishes the very residents it harmed initially. Thus, AfriForum insists on criminal proceedings against the involved officials to ensure direct accountability and to foster a heightened commitment to excellence in municipal operations.


The implication of this case extends beyond Dipaleseng. It casts a spotlight on the broader national crisis of water management in South Africa—a country plagued by water scarcity and pollution issues. It underscores the need for all municipalities to adhere strictly to environmental laws to safeguard public health and environmental integrity.


As the situation unfolds, AfriForum continues to monitor the enforcement of the fine and the potential prosecution of individual officials, asserting that true justice will be served only when accountability is as personal as the roles held in these critical municipal functions.


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