26 November 2024
Stellenbosch Municipality is proud of its transparent and collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including Afriforum. We value our relationship with Afriforum and have already engaged in several positive and constructive discussions that confirm our shared goal of protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of our communities.
We are, however, aware of the ongoing campaign and attacks launched by Afriforum against the Municipality, targeting our integrity, the integrity of our processes, and the quality of work performed at our Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). These claims are unfortunate and misrepresent the Municipality’s commitment to excellence in service delivery and environmental protection.
The Stellenbosch Wastewater Treatment Works is fully compliant with the National Water Act and is audited and monitored by various independent organizations. We confirm that the plant has been performing very well this year and there is no cause for concern. The Municipality is welcome to receive any test results which we can compare with our own results for a specific period and taken at specific locations. We also conduct independent test via a third-party entity for further transparency, as is required by National Legislation. We are confident of our plant’s treated effluent. It is very dangerous to create an impression of poor quality of treated effluent.
The Municipality is fully accountable to its oversight entities concerning treated effluent quality and we have a very constructive and transparent relationship with them, in terms of the applicable legislation.
On 29 September 2023, Afriforum submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request, seeking comprehensive information beyond just water quality results. The Municipality has processed this request in accordance with legal requirements, providing all information legally permissible while withholding certain confidential documents as required.
On 10 August 2023, the Municipality welcomed Afriforum representatives for a constructive meeting where relevant issues were openly discussed. During this engagement, Afriforum offered support services, which the Municipality politely declined, as we are bound by applicable procurement legislation. Afriforum followed up with a letter on 14 August 2024, to which the Municipality reiterated the importance of transparent procurement processes.
Afriforum members conducted an independent visit to the Stellenbosch Wastewater Treatment Plant without prior approval or an appointment. As is standard practice in any municipality, public access to such facilities is restricted for safety and regulatory reasons. Afriforum was then referred to the Office of the Municipal Manager to formally request access.
Water quality in Stellenbosch is rigorously tested by our skilled staff and audited by independent bodies to ensure compliance with the Department of Water and Sanitation standards. Efforts to improve staff skills and increase capacity are ongoing, ensuring the discharge of safe effluent water into rivers at standards that protect the environment.
The Municipality remains committed to protecting the environment, promoting public health, and operating within regulatory standards and transparent practices. Despite the ongoing criticism, we stand by the integrity of our operations, our state-of-the-art facilities, and the hard work of our dedicated staff. We appreciate Afriforum’s contributions and welcome continued cooperation for the benefit of all residents.
Issued by:
Stellenbosch Municipality
