Mothotlung Crisis: What Edna Molewa didn't want you to see
Yesterday, as part of my visit to Mothotlung in the North West province, I conducted an oversight visit to the Water Purification Plant responsible for providing water to the surrounding community.
As a result of the breakdown of infrastructure linked to corruption and poor management, the surrounding communities - including Mothotlung, Damonsville and other parts of the Madibeng Municipality - have had only intermittent access to water over the last two years.
Last week, the matter escalated into a national crisis when four South Africans were killed by police following a community service delivery protest for access to water.
During the DA delegation's visit to the plant - which included DA North West Provincial Leader, Chris Hattingh MPL and DA North West Provincial Chairperson, Winston Rabotapi MP - Chris Hattingh received a call from the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, advising us to stay away from the plant and not to conduct an oversight visit there.
The DA has now subsequently received correspondence from the Minister informing us that we do not have "authorisation" to visit and view the plant.