The South African government is taking steps to increase transparency and accountability in addressing water pollution. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is set to launch its National Pollution Register on October 1, 2026. This register will provide the public with access to information on entities that have faced formal enforcement action for polluting the country's water resources.
The National Pollution Register will list entities that have been issued directives, convicted of pollution-related offences, or ordered by courts to pay damages arising from water pollution. This move aims to promote transparency and allow the public to track polluters. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr. Jack Bloom will visit two sites to demonstrate the impact of upstream pollution on downstream communities.
Dr. Bloom's first stop will be the Hartebeestfontein Wastewater Treatment Works, which received a DWS directive in August 2025 regarding pollution. The wastewater from this area flows downstream towards Rietvlei Dam. The delegation will then visit the Rietvlei Water Treatment Plant, which uses Rietvlei Dam as a source of raw water. However, the dam's deteriorating raw-water quality has affected the City's ability to use it as a drinking-water source.
The oversight visits will be followed by the official launch of the register, including a demonstration of how the public can use it. WaterCAN, a South African civil society organisation, welcomes the launch of the National Pollution Register. However, executive director Dr. Ferrial Adam emphasises that its real value will depend on the government's transparency and boldness in naming and shaming polluters.
Dr. Adam stresses that South Africans have a right to know who is polluting rivers, dams, and water sources. Nevertheless, naming polluters is only the first step. The organisation also needs to see what enforcement action is being taken, whether penalties are meaningful, and most importantly, whether the pollution actually stops.
The launch of the National Pollution Register is seen as a positive step towards addressing water pollution in South Africa. The public will have access to information on entities responsible for pollution, allowing for greater accountability. The effectiveness of the register will depend on its implementation and the government's commitment to enforcing penalties.
Ultimately, the goal of the National Pollution Register is to promote a healthier environment and protect South Africa's water resources. By increasing transparency and accountability, the government aims to prevent further pollution and ensure a sustainable future for the country's water sources.
Key points
- The National Pollution Register will list entities that have faced formal enforcement action for polluting South Africa's water resources.
- The register aims to promote transparency and allow the public to track polluters.
- The effectiveness of the register will depend on the government's transparency and boldness in naming and shaming polluters.
