Checked 27 October 2026
Where the facts in this claim come from
Every fact on the claim page, with the sources we used. We save a copy of each source on the day we read it.
What does the evidence show?
Why it is Verified
Wastewater treatment works clean sewage before the water goes back into rivers. At the Northern works, the Auditor-General's briefing to Parliament shows raw sewage spilling from a manhole into the Jukskei River. It says the works were poorly maintained and did not meet the rules. Its 2024-25 report lists one water pollution case in Johannesburg as one where action to fix it is being taken.
Auditor-General of South Africa. Published 29 May 2026.
Where to look: Slide 17, 'Active material irregularities identified at the city and its entities': 'Pollution of water resource not prevented at Goudkoppies WWTW (Johannesburg Water)'; '2 Substantial harm to general public (1 Pikitup and 1 from Johannesburg water)'. Slide 15, 'Wastewater', 'Site: Northern Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and pumpstations': 'significant non-compliance due to deteriorating infrastructure, poor maintenance and failure to meet regulations. This led to illegal discharges of untreated sewage and effluent ... resulting in frequent spills, persistent water pollution'. Slide 16, 'Northern WWTW (Johannesburg Water)' site observation: 'Raw sewerage spilling from the manhole into the Jukskei River'.
Auditor-General of South Africa. Published 24 June 2026.
Where to look: Printed page 199 (PDF page 203), City of Johannesburg dashboard, 'Material irregularities (including 5 municipal entities)', under 'Appropriate action': 'Pollution of water sources, resulting in harm to public (1)'. Printed page 161 (PDF page 165): wastewater works inspected at 29 municipalities 'and one municipal entity (Johannesburg Water)'. Printed page 173 (PDF page 177): MI notifications to 'Johannesburg Water' relating to 'the poor management of wastewater treatment works'.
What did the council do, and when?
Who ran the council
Mayor: Dada Morero (ANC). Council run by ANC, EFF, PA, IFP. From Aug 2024 to present.
The Citizen. Published 16 August 2024.
Where to look: Paragraph 1 ('ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero has been elected as mayor of the City of Johannesburg for the second time'); paragraph 2 (189 votes to 60)
Daily Maverick. Published 28 January 2026.
Where to look: Body paragraph 9: 'The local coalition comprises the ANC, EFF, PA, IFP and several smaller parties.'
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