In the last few years, the South African Human Rights Commission in Mpumalanga (“Commission”) has received a number of complaints relating to sewerage spillages and waste water treatment challenges in various municipalities in Mpumalanga. The complaints alleged that the sewerage spillages and/or the inadequate treatment of waste water violated the affected communities’ right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being (section 24 of the Constitution), as well as the affected communities’ right to clean water (section 27 of the Constitution) and their right to dignity (section 10 of the Constitution).

In order to investigate these complaints at a systemic level, the Commission has launched a provincial inquiry into sewerage spillages and waste water treatment challenges in the province. Broadly speaking, the aim of the inquiry is to test the veracity of the complaints received, as well as to explore their possible resolution. At this stage, the inquiry will take the form of hearings, as well as announced and/or unannounced inspections, with the initial hearings to be held on 29-30 November 2018 in respect of Nkomazi and Lekwa Local Municipalities.

Full Invitation Attached