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.

AfriForum demands action over continued sewage spillage in Klerkindustria

ByAfriForum 31/03/202631/03/2026

AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch yesterday has lodged a formal complaint with the Matlosana Local Municipality regarding the ongoing sewage spill at 26 and 28 Mahogany Street in Klerkindustria, Klerksdorp. According to the owner of these properties, the problem has been ongoing for some time despite repeated attempts to report it to the Municipality. Raw sewage is still flowing on the premises, which not only poses a serious health and environmental risk, but also negatively affects business operations.

In its letter, AfriForum requested the Municipality to intervene immediately to stop the sewage spillage; provide a clear timeline for repairs; provide transparency on the use of sewage tariffs; and confirm what equipment and capacity is available to ensure service delivery.

“It is shocking that the Municipality is communicating to residents and business owners that they do not have the necessary equipment – such as a pump – to solve the problem. A lack of equipment can never serve as an excuse for failing to provide basic services,” says Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Mooi River.

The properties in question include an industrial site and the owner pays almost R100 000 per year for sewerage services, which are not provided. According to AfriForum, this raises serious questions about accountability and the use of tax and tariff revenues.

“If a single property costs that much, one can only conclude that the Municipality’s sewerage department’s income from Klerkindustria alone amounts to hundreds of millions of rand. Where does this money go if basic infrastructure is not maintained?” asks Pretorius.

AfriForum stresses that the current situation is a violation of several legal obligations, including the Constitution, which stipulates that municipalities must deliver services in a sustainable manner, as well as the right of residents to an environment that is not harmful to their health.

AfriForum warns that further steps will be considered if the Municipality does not act urgently.

“This situation is unacceptable. Residents or businesses cannot be expected to pay large amounts for services that are simply not delivered,” says S.W. Scott, AfriForum’s Chairperson for the Klerksdorp branch.

To join AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch, contact Scott at 082 806 7484.