Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Bethal branch provides water, keeps town clean during January

ByAfriForum 06/02/202606/02/2026

AfriForum’s Bethal branch already showed early in the year that they are community builders. Among other things, the branch delivered 60 000 liters of water when the taps ran dry again, cleaned areas, and temporarily filled potholes.

The residents of Bethal started the new year with dry taps. However, the Bethal branch quickly stepped in and used their emergency water points to help with the water supply. Many farmers also used their tractors and trucks to bring in water. More than 60 000 liters of water were brought in during this period.

According to Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Highveld, it appears that the challenges of 2024 are beginning to repeat themselves. “In 2024, residents were left without water for more than 180 days, and now it looks like we are heading for a similar situation. At this stage, we have no idea what the cause is; Rand Water and the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality are just shifting the blame back and forth.”

AfriForum is currently engaged in a court case against Rand Water over water supply in this area. This will continue today (6 February).

The branch also cleaned several areas in the town. The entrance in front of the BCVO school has been in the care of the Bethal branch since 2024 to keep it tidy, and the branch has been cleaning this area regularly since then.

As usual, the branch also cleaned up the area around the Nestlé Bridge and the triangle. 36 bags of garbage and grass were removed during this action.

The Bethal branch also brought temporary relief to motorists when dolerite was driven into several streets to make the roads more accessible. This was done in Hoëveld Avenue, Du Plooy Street, Gemsbok Street, and Blesbok Street, among others. Repairs were also carried out on the stretch of road in front of the SAVF Silwerjare Home for the Elderly so that emergency vehicles in particular can reach the home more quickly.

“We work every day to help improve the lives of the residents of Bethal, not just when it’s time to vote,” concludes Bekker.

Visit www.wordlid.co.za to join your nearest branch or send an email to hennie.bekker@afriforum.co.za to get involved.