A University of Johannesburg study confirms what WaterCAN has been warning since 2023: the Klip River is a long-term toxic disaster. Yet, nobody acted on the criminal charges we laid in this regard.

This river feeds into the Vaal – a lifeline for millions – but unchecked industrial and municipal pollution threatens ecosystems, public health, and food security.

Despite WaterCAN’s repeated warnings since 2023, pollution in the Klip River continues unchecked and government inactive. Now, a damning University of Johannesburg report confirms the long-term toxic contamination. 

In July 2023, WaterCAN had even filed a criminal complaint against the City of Johannesburg and top municipal officials for failing to stop sewage pollution after the city ignored a directive from the Department of Water and Sanitation.

“We believe that until individuals – whether in government or business – are charged and prosecuted, pollution will continue unchecked,” says Dr Ferrial Adam, WaterCAN’s Executive Manager. “Yet, two years later, no one has been held accountable. In a water-scarce country like ours, this is criminal. Polluting water violates basic rights, including the right to health.”

Toxic chemicals in the Klip River aren’t an abstract issue – they cause cancers, hormonal disruptions, respiratory illnesses, and neurological damage.

“This pollution is hurting you,” warns Dr Adam. “Enough is enough. We cannot wait for more studies while our rivers – and our people – get sicker. We need action, not more silence.”

WaterCAN is calling on the National Prosecuting Authority to act. “It’s time environmental crimes are treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

Read our full press release here.  

More about WaterCAN’s criminal charges can be found here.