Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has handed over four boreholes, valued at about R2 million, to previously unserved communities in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
The boreholes are equipped with automated water purification capacity through a decentralised water purification plant, ensuring the sustainable provision of quality drinking water, dignified sanitation and proper hygiene for communities that have historically lacked reliable water services.
The initiative forms part of the newly launched Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme. It was funded and implemented by the Rand Water Foundation, an entity of Rand Water, and donated to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in the Nkangala District.
The four boreholes will serve the communities of Vezubuhle, Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni in Kwa-Mhlanga, which previously had no reliable water supply.
Minister Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Speed Katishi Mashilo, Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai and Rand Water Foundation Chairperson Lusanda Netshitenzhe, officially handed over the four underground water supply schemes on Friday, 3 July 2026.
The launch of the programme coincided with the start of Mandela Month, observed in July each year, and forms part of the Department of Water and Sanitation's ongoing efforts to accelerate access to water services for historically underserved communities through sustainable and practical interventions.
The project included the drilling of four boreholes fitted with water filtration and purification units, the installation of 10 communal taps, six storage tanks with a capacity of 10 000 litres each, six steel tank stands, and a manhole.
The decentralised water supply facilities offer relief to areas affected by inconsistent water supply, rationing, and reliance on water tankers, especially in remote locations.
According to Rand Water Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, the decentralised plants operate on the same principles as Rand Water's major treatment facilities at Zuikerbosch and Vereeniging, just on a smaller scale.
The plants have been installed at Vezubuhle Community Hall, Bawokuhle Primary School in Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni. They are expected to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to more than 1 600 beneficiaries, including residents, learners and farmers.
All four installations have undergone water quality testing and meet the required safety standards to ensure reliable long-term operation.
Following the handover, Majodina met with community members in Gemsbok, emphasising that the initiative was more than the unveiling of infrastructure, but “a step toward transforming lives.”
“There could be no better way of honouring Madiba than ensuring that children spend more time in classrooms than searching for water. There could be no greater expression of service than restoring dignity to communities that have waited patiently for this basic necessity of life.
“Today is not simply about boreholes. Today is about hope. It is about dignity. It is about justice. It is about fulfilling a promise that the South African government made to the people,” the Minister said.
She added that the initiative programme demonstrates government's commitment to ensuring that no community is left to rely indefinitely on unsafe rivers, streams or distant water sources because of where they live.
She said while large regional water infrastructure projects remain essential, many rural communities require immediate interventions that can deliver relief while long-term projects are being developed.
"The programme therefore combines urgency with sustainability. It includes groundwater development through borehole drilling, the protection of natural springs, rainwater harvesting systems, rehabilitation of existing but non-functional infrastructure, and targeted extensions of local reticulation systems.
"These are practical interventions designed to reach communities that have too often remained on the margins of development,” Majodina said.
The Minister also reaffirmed the department's commitment to working closely with municipalities to identify all unserved communities and implement appropriate interventions.
She appealed to community members to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism and theft.
“Every damaged pipeline forces government to spend scarce resources on repairs instead of expanding services to new communities. Ultimately, those who suffer most are the poorest households,” Majodina said.
Majodina concluded by thanking the Rand Water Foundation and Rand Water, whose expertise and longstanding commitment to strengthening water security continue to benefit millions of South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
