For over two decades, untreated raw sewage has been flowing into the Kruger National Park in Phalaborwa Limpopo. The sewage flows into the Tshutshi River, which flows through the world-renowned park before joining the Olifants River.
A Biotician at Kruger National Park, Jacques Venter, says they have engaged with the South African National Park and the local municipality to resolve the challenge without success.
Venter says the raw sewage has a devastating health impact on many aquatic life and other animals that rely on the river.
“This has been ongoing for 27 years, during which time SANParks has engaged on numerous occasions with the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality to try and put a stop to this,” said Jacques Venter, biotechnician at the Kruger National Park.
The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says they have started legal actions against the administration involved.
“We have finalized administrative enforcement action” against both municipalities. The docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution in Polokwane on 6 January 2025 and DWS was awaiting a decision from the National Prosecuting Authority.
An Environmentalist, Prof Tshepo Mokoena says the raw sewage flowing right through the middle of the Olifant River will hurt the animals downstream. Mokoena says the pathogens disease-causing bacteria), viruses, and parasites contained in raw sewage pose a health risk to humans as well.
The Ba-Phalaborwa Business Forum says the raw sewage hurts the businesses next to the Kriger National Park.Community members Lebo Malatjie and Tebogo Shai says the umberable stench has a potential to deter tourists.
The Ba-Phalaborwa munipality referred comments to the Mopani Distric Municipality.Mopani District Municipality spokesperson, said old asbestos pipes and manholes were being replaced, and three pump stations had been refurbished.
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