By Luzamo Sandlana
The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has recently carried out oversight visits to major water and sanitation infrastructure projects across the country. The delegation toured the Central Basin Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment plant in Germiston, a facility crucial for controlling water contamination in the region.
Rain threatened to disrupt the visit, but the committee pressed on. TCTA Chief Executive Officer Percy Sechemane welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the plant’s operations. He reassured members that the organisation has all it takes to fulfil its mandate. “We do not take for granted the support from the Department, and our partnership with the contractor, Nafasi, gives the team confidence that we will deliver,” said Mr Sechemane. Members asked questions on operational efficiency, environmental impact and sustainability measures.
The visit to Germiston took place on 9 October 2025. The committee toured the plant under the guidance of Operations Manager Goitseone Kgwele. They observed key treatment processes and learned how the facility manages water quality and efficiency. Members could see the practical challenges and solutions implemented to deliver safe water to communities in the region.
Earlier in the week, the committee visited KwaZulu-Natal to inspect the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Site of uMngeni-uThukela Water. Project Manager James Nyakale updated the committee on the uMkhomazi Water Project, explaining progress, timelines and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders.
Committee members expressed appreciation for the level of detail in project updates and for the visible efforts to maintain operational standards. The committee encouraged the organisation to strengthen consultations with key government
departments including the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Members stressed that broad support is essential for the success and sustainability of these projects. The oversight visits highlight the committee’s commitment to monitoring critical water infrastructure. They also demonstrate a focus on transparency, collaboration and delivering practical, sustainable solutions to South Africa’s water challenges. The engagements reinforced the importance of partnerships between government and operational teams to ensure water security for communities.
