Frustrated residents of Seshego are demanding a consistent supply of potable water and clearer communication from the Polokwane Municipality, which is currently under investigation by the Hawks for undisclosed reasons.
The demand for basic services comes amid a stark contrast between official statements and the reality on the ground. Last week, the municipality’s offices were the subject of a search and seizure operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
A municipal representative recently claimed, “We have improved and stabilized the issue of water supply… which we know… remains one of our major challenges.” However, this assertion is contested by residents of the township, located just a few kilometers from the capital city.
In direct contrast to the official line, taps remain completely dry in some areas of Seshego, while others receive water only intermittently. The situation has forced residents to find costly alternatives.
Irene, a resident described the daily struggle. “I have to do that washing manually,” she said. To cope with the inconsistent supply, she has invested her own money in a water tank for storage. Despite taking these measures and often receiving no municipal water, she reports that the city continues to bill her monthly.
The community’s frustration is compounded by a feeling of being ignored by their elected officials. One resident stated plainly, “Our counselors know about our problems.”
The water crisis extends to the area known as Juju Valley (W 13), where residents are forced to line up at a communal tap twice a week to collect their share of water.
With the City of Polokwane anticipated to be a key battleground in the 2026 local government elections, many residents currently feel neglected by what they describe as a slow and often non-existent response to their calls for reliable basic services.
