PRETORIA, Wednesday 21 October 2026 — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has lodged complaints with the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, escalating demands for accountability from Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and the municipality’s senior administration.
The Public Protector acknowledged receiving the complaint on Wednesday and said it would undergo a preliminary assessment to determine whether the matter falls within the institution’s jurisdiction.
The complaints come as the number of reported gastrointestinal illness cases linked to the water crisis has risen to 433, with most patients being children younger than four.
Public Protector acknowledges complaint
EFF treasurer-general and Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe submitted the complaints as part of the party’s efforts to hold municipal leadership accountable for the failure to provide safe drinking water.
The party alleges that failures in the management of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works exposed residents to serious health risks.
In its acknowledgement dated 21 October, the Public Protector said the submission would be assessed under the applicable legal framework before a decision was taken on further action.
The acknowledgement does not mean that a formal investigation has been opened or that the allegations have been substantiated.
Human Rights Commission already investigating
The SAHRC confirmed that it was already investigating water provision in Bronkhorstspruit when the EFF submitted its complaint.
Gauteng provincial manager Zamatungwa Mbeki said the commission was monitoring the provision of alternative water supplies to affected communities.
The commission’s existing investigation concerns residents’ access to safe water and the response to the crisis.
The EFF is seeking accountability from Moya and City Manager Johann Mettler, alleging maladministration and failures to protect residents.
The party has also pursued criminal complaints relating to the municipality’s handling of the water treatment failure.
Water treatment failure affected hundreds
An investigation by the Department of Water and Sanitation established that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works was not chlorinated between 24 September and 14 October.
The interruption followed problems involving the municipality’s chlorine supplier.
Laboratory testing identified high levels of E. coli and other contaminants in water samples.
The affected communities include Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni, Dark City, Rethabiseng and Sokhulumi.
By Wednesday, the reported number of gastrointestinal illness cases had increased to 433.
Residents have been advised not to use affected tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing or washing food, even after boiling it.
Coalition partners dispute responsibility
The political dispute has intensified because the EFF serves in Tshwane’s governing coalition alongside ActionSA.
ActionSA has accused the EFF of attempting to distance itself from an administration in which it holds mayoral committee positions.
In a statement on Wednesday, ActionSA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Henriette Frohlich questioned the role of EFF councillor Tshegofatso Mashabela, who serves as the municipality’s MMC for Health.
Frohlich argued that the health portfolio carried responsibilities relating to water-quality monitoring and the detection of waterborne diseases.
These claims form part of the political disagreement between the coalition partners and have not been established as findings of an independent investigation.
Moya has acknowledged failures in the municipality’s handling of the crisis and accepted overall political responsibility.
Further investigations expected
The municipality has brought in Rand Water to assist with technical interventions at the treatment works.
However, officials have not confirmed when the affected communities will again have safe tap water.
The Public Protector must still decide whether to proceed with a formal investigation into the EFF’s complaint.
The SAHRC’s existing investigation and the municipality’s internal review are also continuing.
With the local government elections scheduled for 4 November, the crisis has become a major issue in Tshwane’s contest for municipal control.
