KWAHLANGA, MPUMALANGA — Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has officially commissioned a R2 million decentralized water infrastructure project, handing over four newly equipped boreholes to historically underserved communities in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing drive to eradicate regional water backlogs and provide sustainable access to clean drinking water.
The handover, which took place on Friday, 3 July 2026, strategically aligns with the commencement of Mandela Month. It was executed under the newly introduced Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme. Funded and implemented by the Rand Water Foundation—a dedicated entity of Rand Water—the project was officially donated to the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality within the Nkangala District.
Transforming Lives Through Decentralized Technology
The four underground water supply schemes are set to transform the daily lives of more than 1,600 beneficiaries, comprising local residents, learners, and farmers. The communities receiving this critical intervention include Vezubuhle, Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms, and Engwenyameni—areas that have historically endured severe water shortages, rationing, and a reliance on unsafe rivers or distant water sources.
Unlike traditional water delivery methods, these boreholes feature automated water purification capabilities via decentralized treatment plants. Rand Water Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai explained that these mini-plants operate on the exact same rigorous treatment principles as Rand Water’s massive Zuikerbosch and Vereeniging facilities, simply scaled down for localized community use.
The comprehensive infrastructure rollout includes:
- Four newly drilled boreholes fitted with advanced water filtration and purification units.
- Installation of 10 communal taps for easy public access.
- Six 10,000-litre storage tanks supported by six steel tank stands.
- Construction of a dedicated manhole for maintenance access.
The purification plants are strategically positioned at the Vezubuhle Community Hall, Bawokuhle Primary School in Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms, and Engwenyameni. All installations have passed stringent water quality testing to ensure they meet national safety standards for long-term, reliable operation, offering immense relief to areas previously affected by inconsistent supply and water tanker dependency.
High-Level Delegation Marks Mandela Month
Minister Majodina was joined by a high-level delegation for the official handover ceremony. The delegation included Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo; Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Speed Katishi Mashilo; Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo; Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai; and Rand Water Foundation Chairperson Lusanda Netshitenzhe.
Following the official proceedings, Majodina engaged directly with community members in Gemsbok. She framed the infrastructure rollout as a profound step toward social transformation rather than just a construction project.
“There could be no better way of honouring Madiba than ensuring that children spend more time in classrooms than searching for water,” Majodina stated. “There could be no greater expression of service than restoring dignity to communities that have waited patiently for this basic necessity of life.”
She emphasized the emotional and social weight of the project, noting, “Today is not simply about boreholes. Today is about hope. It is about dignity. It is about justice. It is about fulfilling a promise that the South African government made to the people.”
Balancing Urgency with Long-Term Sustainability
The Minister highlighted that while massive regional water projects remain crucial, rural areas require immediate, practical relief while long-term developments are finalized. She detailed that the Acceleration Programme blends urgency with sustainability by incorporating:
- Groundwater development through targeted borehole drilling.
- Protection of natural springs and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Rehabilitation of existing but previously non-functional infrastructure.
- Targeted extensions of local reticulation systems.
“These are practical interventions designed to reach communities that have too often remained on the margins of development,” Majodina explained, reaffirming the department’s commitment to working closely with municipalities to identify and assist all unserved areas.
However, she issued a stern appeal to the locals to protect the new assets from vandalism and theft. “Every damaged pipeline forces government to spend scarce resources on repairs instead of expanding services to new communities. Ultimately, those who suffer most are the poorest households,” she warned.
Majodina concluded the event by expressing profound gratitude to the Rand Water Foundation and Rand Water, praising their enduring expertise and commitment to fortifying water security for millions across South Africa.
