Magogong water canal claims third life

Thabang Mosienyana (34) accidentally fell into the canal and drowned during the early hours of Tuesday morning, 5 March. 
This tragic passing follows the death of 5-year-old Luyanda Mphandle who fell into a water canal and drowned on 27 January 2024. 
The canal also claimed the life of 12-year-old Boichoko Monate in April 2023. According to Sello Seitlholo MP – DA Constituency Head: Greater Taung Local Municipality, the DA previously conducted an oversight inspection at the canal after a visit to the family of Luyanda who died in January. It was then alleged that the canal is privately owned by Vaalharts Water, a company based in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape. “Two days later, we met with the management of Vaalharts Water to engage them on possible measures to secure the canal and prevent tragic deaths. We were informed that the company is simply an operating agent responsible for the distribution of bulk river water to water agencies such as Magalies Water, which provides bulk water to the Dr Ruth Segomontsi Mompati District Municipality,” said Seitlholo. It was then concluded that the ownership of the water canal and the security thereof are solely the responsibility of the National Department of Water and Sanitation under the custodianship of Minister Senzo Mchunu. Seitlholo further stated that this clarity brings into question the silence by both the district municipality as well as the National Department of Water and Sanitation on the deaths of children, adults and livestock in Magogong Village. “This is despite extensive coverage of the cries of the Magogong community since 2021,” said Seitlholo. Magogong Village suffers from a lack of water provision, forcing residents to gather water from the canal to satisfy their daily needs. Seitlholo said the DA will write to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, requesting him to initiate measures that would secure the canal immediately to prevent future loss of life.