More than 800 people, mainly children under four, fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms in Tshwane after water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW) was contaminated. The outbreak, linked to undisinfected water due to a three-week chlorine shortage, was confirmed in a joint government statement on 19 October 2026.
The City of Tshwane’s water plant ceased chlorination from 24 September to 14 October after disputes arose with the chlorine supplier, reportedly over a price hike. During this period, water samples showed dangerously high levels of E. coli, prompting health alerts and warnings against using tap water for drinking or cooking.
Cases first appeared on 7 October 2026 in Tshwane’s Region 7, peaking on 13 October with 72 new cases reported in a day. By 19 October, 408 cases were officially recorded, rising to 833 by 26 October, as confirmed by SAnews. The majority of those affected were young children, raising serious public health concerns.
Residents reported ongoing struggles with accessing safe water, particularly in areas like Zithobeni. Nicky Sibanda, a resident there, told GroundUp, “The municipality still does not send trucks to deliver drinking water and we are suffering.” Another resident, Selina Maphosa, said, “I’m always worried that my children might drink tap water and fall ill while playing with other children at other homes.”
The government response included closing the Bronkhorstspruit plant on 14 October and supplying clean water via 36 tankers from Cullinan Water Treatment Works. Chlorine supply was restored on 15 October, and the plant reopened the following day, although the water remained unsafe for drinking, only suitable for toilet flushing.
This public health crisis highlights recurring challenges with infrastructure and supplier management in Tshwane’s water services. GroundUp reported that the city’s mayor revealed a quadrupling of chlorine prices by the supplier, which led to failed negotiations and a lack of timely communication to city leadership about the risk.
The health and water authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging residents to avoid using tap water for consumption or food preparation until further notice. No deaths have been reported linked to the outbreak so far.
The Cape Flats News journalist will follow up on the ongoing investigation and any further government action to prevent recurrence.