Saai calls for urgent verification and accountability over reported Hartbeespoort Dam pollution
Saai calls for urgent verification and accountability over reported Hartbeespoort Dam pollution
PRETORIA – 26 August 2026
Saai is calling for an urgent and transparent assessment of the reported deterioration of Hartbeespoort Dam and the possible risks to downstream communities, water users and agricultural activity.
A post published by Farming Portal on 25 August 2026 described the dam as a severely polluted water resource affected by water hyacinth and algae, while referring to warnings allegedly made by former officials of the Department of Agriculture. The underlying report, the current water-quality status and the extent of any possible impact on farmers and rural communities must be independently verified before definitive conclusions are drawn.
Saai believes the report nevertheless highlights the importance of properly maintaining wastewater and water-management infrastructure, publishing reliable water-quality information and ensuring that the authorities responsible for the catchment are held accountable.
Dr Theo de Jager, Chairperson of Saai’s Board, called on the relevant authorities to clarify:
* The latest independently verified water-quality results for Hartbeespoort Dam and connected waterways;
* The identified sources of pollution and the status of wastewater-treatment and sewerage infrastructure in the catchment;
* Whether agricultural water users, livestock, communities or downstream water resources face confirmed risks; and
* The corrective measures, timelines and responsible institutions for addressing any confirmed deterioration.
“Reliable water resources are essential to food production, family farmers and rural economies. Water pollution and infrastructure failure cannot simply be allowed to become normalised. Farmers and other affected water users are entitled to timely and accurate information about the quality and safety of the water resources on which they depend,” said De Jager.
Saai will consider further comment once the underlying report and official water-quality information have been reviewed.
About Saai
Saai is the Southern African Agri Initiative. Its mandate is to protect family farmers, food production and rural economies, including by promoting responsible water governance, functioning infrastructure and sustainable rural communities.
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