The  Deputy minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, is set to launch the Vaal River Anti-Pollution Forum on Thursday, 03 October 2024. The department says, the forum is aimed at tackling the persistent pollution issues plaguing the Vaal River, with the goal of improving water quality and restoring the river to its former health. Reports indicate that the Vaal River, one of South Africa's largest rivers and a key tourist destination, has been severly impacted by pollution from sources such as mining, agriculture, wastewater works, and other industries. It is reported that the pollution has significantly deteriorated the river's water quality, prompting the need for coordinated intervention. The Head of Communications at the department, Dr Mandla Mathebula elaborates...

(Insert)---- Head of Communications, Dr Mandla Mathebula----

According to the Deputy minister of Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, South Africa is a water-scarce country and people need to treat water like a precious resource. He says the primary objective of the Anti-Pollution Forum will be to align efforts towards managing the river’s water quality in accordance with established resource quality objectives. The forum, which will include various stakeholders directly affected by the declining water quality, will also work to provide high-level guidance on protecting the river and identifying actionable solutions to mitigate pollution.