Theewaterskloof and National Government Join Forces to Tackle Water and River Pollution in Grabouw
Theewaterskloof Municipality, led by Executive Deputy Mayor Alderman Cynthia Clayton, proudly hosted the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation the Honourable Sello Seitlholo, in Grabouw for a significant Clear Rivers Campaign and community river clean-up initiative earlier this month.
The campaign underscored the urgent need to protect South Africa’s water resources, starting at the source, in our rivers and called for national, provincial, local government, and community collaboration to address the mounting pollution crisis.
Executive Deputy Mayor Alderman Clayton welcomed the Deputy Minister and an array of partners including the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Overberg Water Board represented by CEO Dr. Phakamani Buthelezi, the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), and other stakeholders to Grabouw.
She stressed that pollution, blocked rivers, and poor sanitation not only threaten environmental health but also the dignity and safety of residents, particularly children who often play in unsafe, polluted spaces.
“This visit is not just symbolic, it is a commitment to collaboration, dignity, and shared responsibility,” Clayton said.
“We must intensify our efforts to secure support through programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to help clean our rivers, protect public health, and secure safe, vibrant spaces for our children.”
Deputy Minister Seitlholo issued a firm call to action, warning that pollution is not a problem isolated to Grabouw, Theewaterskloof, or the Western Cape, but a South African crisis.
“Water has no substitute. We can supplement electricity with alternatives like loadshedding, but there is no alternative for water,” said the Deputy Minister. “Our behaviours must change. We don’t appreciate the starting point, rivers, until the water runs from our taps. Every piece of litter tossed away thoughtlessly ends up in these rivers, threatening our collective future. Infrastructure alone will not save us if our mindsets remain the same.”
He further highlighted that 46% of treated water in South Africa is lost due to leaks, inefficiencies, and sabotage, including exploitation by the so-called water tanker mafia. He stressed the need for municipalities to be functional, transparent, and accountable in managing water resources.
“We must protect this precious resource. No corruption happens without someone knowing, we must all take a stand,” said Seitlholo.
“We also need the education sector onboard, teaching children early on about water conservation and the impact of pollution must be part of the curriculum.”
Another highlight of the event was the emphasis on the Theewaterskloof Blue Deal, a partnership between the Municipality, BOCMA and the Dutch Water Authorities aimed at involving local communities directly in water stewardship. Fabian Smith of BOCMA showcased the Citizen Science Programme, which has already trained local youth in Grabouw to monitor river health through mini-SASS water quality testing.
“What is developing in Grabouw is truly inspiring, a growing citizen science movement where young people have adopted rivers and streams, monitoring and protecting them as environmental stewards,” Smith explained.
“Our hope is that today’s engagement moves beyond words into meaningful action and nothing about us, without us.”
Further enriching the dialogue, Kalta van Zyl from PETCO spoke on the importance of a circular economy, emphasising the reduction, recycling, and responsible management of waste to prevent pollution from reaching waterways in the first place.
Theewaterskloof Municipality remains committed to driving intergovernmental partnerships and mobilising communities to secure the health of our rivers, our people, and our economic future.
“We have no choice but to act,” Deputy Mayor Clayton emphasized.
“Let this be the start of a new chapter where no child has to play in polluted water, and where Grabouw and the Theewaterskloof area lead the way in water and environmental sustainability.”
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Issued by:
Communications Office
Theewaterskloof Municipality