MK Party demands resignation of Water Minister Pemmy Majodina over scandal

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) is demanding the immediate resignation of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, following revelations of substantial payments made to water board chairpersons for attending limited meetings.

According to the minister's own parliamentary reply in the National Assembly this week, chairpersons of several water entities received significant payments, sparking outrage over alleged mismanagement of public funds.

Majodina confirmed in her reply that uMngeni-uThukela Water chairperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, earned R1.4 million for 13 meetings, plus R179,000 in travel expenses.

Another TCTA board chairperson, Precious Sibiya, received R1.2 million for 10 meetings, while Lepelle Northern Water chairperson Dr Nndweleni Mphephu was paid over R1 million for 10 meetings, plus R139,000 in travel.

She added that Magalies Water board chairperson Keneilwe Sebego earned R920,000 for 13 meetings and R67,000 in travel, and Amatola Water board chairperson Pam Yako received R934,000 for 21 meetings, along with R70,000 in travel costs.

Collectively, board members across the country are allegedly spending nearly R50 million annually in board fees.

The MK Party, through its spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, has demanded that implicated board members be charged for criminal accountability.

The party is also calling for the institution of a full forensic audit by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) nationwide, while there should be a referral of findings to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal prosecution.

Ndhela also called for the release of the ministerial memo on board hour limits to Parliament's portfolio committee and a moratorium on all variance payments across water boards until the audit is complete.

"The minister has failed in her constitutional duty to guarantee every South African the right to sufficient water and must step down immediately," Ndhlela said.

The department has faced challenges, including the loss of billions of rand due to delays in various water projects across the country.

The Auditor-General reported problems with project management, financial statements, and contract management in the bulk water system.

The MK Party said they planned to pursue the matter both in and out of Parliament, seeking accountability for those responsible and recovery of any misused funds.

Majodina's office had not responded to questions by the time of going to print.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) recently met with Majodina to discuss the country's systemic water challenges.

The meeting held last week focused on the SAHRC's policy brief highlighting legislative and policy measures to tackle water mafias and sabotage of essential water infrastructure.

The SAHRC emphasised how organised criminal networks have embedded themselves in the water sector, compromising access to water for personal gain. It expressed concerns about ongoing water supply challenges in Emfuleni Local Municipality and Hammanskraal.

Majodina and Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) officials indicated that water has been elevated to a national priority by President Cyril Ramaphosa, including, among others, selecting a multi-departmental forum chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, to mitigate water challenges.

The minister and DWS welcomed the SAHRC's policy brief, aligning with efforts to combat criminality and corruption in the water sector. 

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za