Sello Seitlholo to Launch Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum to Combat Water Quality Issues

The initiative aims to address pollution in the Vaal River through stakeholder collaboration and accountability for polluters.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo is set to launch the Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum on Thursday, a crucial initiative aimed at tackling the persistent pollution affecting the water quality of the Vaal River.

The Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum will be a non-statutory platform comprising various stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted by the declining water quality along the Upper, Middle, and Lower Vaal regions. An independent chairperson, free from any personal interests other than improving the river's quality, will be appointed by the Water and Sanitation Minister.

Minister Seitlholo emphasized that the main goal of the Anti-Pollution Forum is to coordinate, enhance, and integrate efforts for managing the water quality of the Vaal River, aligning with established resource quality objectives. “The forum will provide high-level guidance to ensure the protection of the Vaal River and identify remedial actions to mitigate the impact of pollution caused by sectors such as mining, agriculture, and wastewater treatment,” Seitlholo stated.

Key responsibilities of the forum members will include:

Coordinating and supporting awareness-building initiatives regarding water quality management in the Vaal River catchment.

Ensuring adequate stakeholder participation in forum processes.Investigating and recommending innovative technologies to tackle water pollution.

Enhancing collaboration with various institutions to improve Vaal River quality.

Supporting existing catchment forums within the Vaal River.

Publishing annual reports to track the forum's performance and implementation of its recommendations and activities.

Deputy Minister Seitlholo noted that the Vaal River is one of South Africa's largest rivers and a popular tourist destination that is increasingly threatened by pollution from mining, industrial activities, wastewater works, agriculture, and other sources. He expressed that the establishment of the forum aims to restore the river to its former healthy state.

As the leader of the anti-pollution initiative across the country on behalf of the department, Seitlholo committed to holding polluters accountable for their actions. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that South Africa is a water-scarce nation that cannot afford to “treat people who do not respect this precious resource with kid gloves.”

“Through the forum, we want to ensure that transgressors are brought to justice. Any person or entity that continues to pollute water sources will face the full force of the law,” Seitlholo declared.

To support this initiative, the department will establish a National Polluters' Register, a comprehensive database that will record the names of polluters, their transgressions, and the actions taken against them. This register will aim to create public awareness and pressure on polluters, encouraging behavioral change.

“The National Polluters' Register will bring attention to polluters, with the hope that it will lead to changes in their behavior. It will be made accessible on the departmental website for public viewing,” Seitlholo added.

With the launch of the Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum, the Deputy Minister aims to take decisive action against pollution and work towards a sustainable future for South Africa's vital water resources.