Thabazimbi’s thirst for a solution

The not-so-new water crisis 

Ah, Thabazimbi, our beloved dust bowl, where the water crisis is as permanent as the sun shining... 

Our water crisis isn’t new. We’ve become accustomed to it over the years. Even with millions being pumped into local water infrastructure by a local mining company, Thabazimbi’s water woes end is not in sight. The financial trouble has been dragging on for years, with various political parties at the helm of our municipality. The latest update is that in November 23 the High Court in Mahikeng denied Magalies Water leave to appeal against the judgment granted on 13 June 2023 in which this court dismissed the application for a mandamus against the respondent (Thabazimbi Local Municipality; “the Municipality”) for payment of “all arrear debts due and payable” in terms of a Bulk Water Supply Agreement and Debt Repayment Agreement entered into between the parties, and alternative relief, with costs. 

No water for 6 weeks…
Several community members have been left without water, for six weeks!!! We have even had reports of people not having any water for months on end. This has exceeded mere inconvenience; it’s a full-blown crisis! 

Fix, to fix again
Long-term solutions are non-existent it seems, we’ll always have next week’s repair to look forward to. Something is seriously wrong with the water supply infrastructure, and it seems as if it is no one’s responsibility.

Power outages: because why not?
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more thrilling, our lovely loadshedding schedules... The water and electricity shortages ensure that life in Thabazimbi remains an edge-of-your-seat kind of experience. 

We are all in the same boat on this dry dock
Rumours have it that water is being diverted to select neighbourhoods, a real-life game of monopoly where everyone’s losing. In terms of water scarcity, everyone is in the same boat. The residents of Regorogile are facing even more dire conditions than those in Thabazimbi town. While certain lower lying areas might have a more consistent supply of water, most areas experience the same water shortages. 

The elderly buying water with SASSA grants 
The elderly, with weary shoulders and the weight of years in their eyes, using their small SASSA grants to buy water — a basic necessity — is a heart-wrenching sight. It’s an appalling reminder of the profound neglect they endure, forced to choose between hydration and other essentials. Witnessing their plight is difficult. 

The plea of the unwashed
And finally, a personal note from a desperate parent: could we maybe, just maybe, find a way to keep our children from looking like they’ve rolled in the dust bowl that is our town? Showers are becoming a community event, and frankly, it’s getting weird. A little dignity would be nice.

Hats off to the real water warriors! 
A standing ovation for the unsung heroes trucking water to our doorsteps. You may not wear capes, but in our eyes, you’re the Avengers of Thabazimbi. I salute you!  

The last stand: a call to action
The people of Thabazimbi are looking for a long-term solution. On several social media sites it was suggested that everyone take record of their water situation and report it to the Thabazimbi Local Municipality.

The detail should include your account number, name, address, and the periods that you have been without water. 

We all know that access to water is a basic human right. In that light we hope that the government or other influential role players would appoint an expert in the field of bulk water supply to get to the bottom of the dry pit of Thabazimbi’s water woes. 
It would also be a good idea to share the reality of the situation with the people of Thabazimbi.

The hope is that someone would care enough about the people in our communities to formulate a sustainable plan to rid Thabazimbi of its water woes.

Letter from the editor