uMgungundlovu District investigates allegations of water tanker misconduct amid community concerns

KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District Municipality management said they were investigating allegations that water tanker drivers were selling water to the community. 

This comes after Tanki Tsoananyana, a Democratic Alliance councillor in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, wrote to Municipal Manager Dr Xolani Muthwa to request an urgent investigation into the matter following concerns by residents of Mkhambathini. 

Tsoananyana requested that the municipality publicise clear mechanisms for residents to report any misconduct by water tanker operators, without fear of reprisal.

“According to residents of Mkhambathini, this issue has reportedly persisted for years, with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality appearing complacent and disinterested in addressing this gross violation of human rights.” 

Tsoananyana said that in one of the wards, they allege that they are forced to wait for more than a week for a single public JoJo tank to be filled.

He stated that this tank serves a wide area, including neighbouring communities, leading to a demand that far exceeds the current supply.

However, the municipality stated that it did not own water tankers, and if there was any misconduct, the contracted company would be informed to take further action against its employees.

Head of communications, Brian Zuma, said the contents of the letter have been noted by Muthwa.

Zuma said such allegations of water being sold to residents are not new, and engagements have happened to try to establish their veracity.

He said the municipality has not heard of a single water tanker driver who has been reported to have sold or sells water to the community. 

“We would have taken that matter up with the service provider who does water tankering on our behalf. This function is outsourced, and we are in constant contact with them. We would have appreciated it if in the letter to the municipal manager, the councillor stated the name of the culprit with any form of evidence, for us to be able to confront the service provider with tangible evidence,” Zuma said. 

He added that councillors, as community leaders who are members of the council, should assist in trying to curb any violations when it comes to service provision in their areas.

Zuma said councillors should engage with their communities and encourage them to report such violations, even if it means naming and shaming culprits.

In September 2024, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality put out a tender for the provision of water tanker services for three years. An estimated 35 trucks were required to deliver water to  JoJo tanks within six local municipalities scattered throughout the district, seven days a week.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za