The South African Human Rights Commission on the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal
23 May 2023
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) has noted with grave concern the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria. According to reports, 16 people have so far died as a result of contracting cholera in the area.
The Commission also notes that since Monday 15th May 2023, 95 people are reported to have sought treatment for the diarrhoeal disease in Hammanskraal. In addition, reports state that positive lab results of the stool specimens of 19 people who presented at Jubilee District Hospital had symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea.
Following the news of the outbreak, the Commission immediately has engaged both the City of Tshwane (CoT) as well as the Provincial Department of Health to seek a full update on measures being put in place to immediately arrest the outbreak, save lives from this disease and to avoid a large-scale and devastating impact of this disease.
The Commission acknowledges the temporary measures already implemented by both the CoT and the Provincial Department of Health who have warned people in the area not to drink water from the taps, made arrangements for the provision of water tankers, called on and urged people to practice clean hygiene, and facilitated the provision of two additional wards at the local hospital to accommodate patients who could not be immediately admitted on arrival at Jubilee Hospital.