ANC urges national intervention as 13 deaths are confirmed, drawing parallels to Zimbabwean crisis
Hammanskraal, South Africa – In a tragic turn of events, 13 people have lost their lives to a cholera outbreak in the township of Hammanskraal, raising serious concerns about water contamination and prompting the African National Congress (ANC) to call for urgent action from the Department of Water and Sanitation. The situation has led to comparisons with the troubled state of Zimbabwe, where similar outbreaks have occurred.
Cholera, a highly infectious disease, spreads through direct contact with infected individuals and contaminated water and food products. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed the deaths at Jubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal, highlighting the severity of the bacterial disease’s impact on the community.
Joel Masilela, spokesperson for the ANC in the City of Tshwane, pointed fingers at negligent municipal officials, suggesting that their actions or lack thereof could be the root cause of the outbreak. Expressing concern for the health and well-being of residents, Masilela called upon the national Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene and assume control over the water management affairs of the city.
“We are calling upon the national Department of Water and Sanitation to urgently deploy a team and take over the water management affairs of the city to ensure that we will not ever again experience even a single loss of life, not only in Hammanskraal but across the breadth and length of the city,” stated Masilela.
The Cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal has drawn attention to the broader issue of water provision and sanitation in South Africa. The ANC’s call for intervention highlights the growing concern that the current water management system is inadequate and poses a significant risk to public health.
This tragic event has also reignited comparisons between South Africa and Zimbabwe, where similar outbreaks have been a persistent problem. Zimbabwe faced a severe cholera crisis in 2008, resulting in thousands of deaths and sparking international condemnation. The parallel drawn by the ANC serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to prevent South Africa from falling into a similar state.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, has expressed disappointment with the City of Tshwane, stating that they have not adequately addressed the issue of water provision for its residents. Mahlobo’s comments reinforce the urgent need for swift and effective measures to tackle the water crisis and prevent further loss of life.
As South Africa grapples with this tragic cholera outbreak, it is essential for authorities at all levels to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. The national Department of Water and Sanitation must work in collaboration with municipal officials to ensure access to safe and clean water, not only in Hammanskraal but throughout the country. Failure to do so may lead to dire consequences for South Africa, reaffirming the importance of learning from the past experiences of neighboring nations.
Source -MasimbaNews ✍🏿