One province in South Africa is so bad that it violates several human rights

·18 Nov 2025

Municipal service delivery in the North West Province is so poor that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has stated it violates several human rights.

This was one of the findings of the SAHRC’s Investigative Report into the State of Municipal Service Delivery in the North West Province.

The report, released on Tuesday (18 November), followed a comprehensive investigation conducted by the SAHRC through its North West Provincial Office.

A series of complaints regarding service delivery challenges across several municipalities in the province prompted this investigation.

The investigation found systemic failures in the provision of basic services, including water, sanitation, waste management, and road maintenance.

It also revealed widespread non-compliance with constitutional and legislative obligations by municipalities in the North West Province.

The Report makes several findings against the North West Provincial Government and fourteen municipalities in the province.

The SAHRC found that most municipalities are failing to meet their constitutional and legislative obligations.

“Consequently, many municipalities are violating several human rights through failing to provide basic services,” the SAHRC said.

These municipalities failed to ensure the regular supply of clean water, provide sanitation services, and address sewage spillages.

They also did not regularly collect solid waste, supply electricity to residents, address illegal dumping, or maintain roads and stormwater systems.

The final report highlighted deep-rooted governance and capacity challenges besetting municipalities in the North West Province.

“Residents continue to experience human rights violations. The report is a call to action on the part of municipalities,” the SAHRC said.

The Commission urged municipalities to act with vigour and urgency in implementing the directives in the report.

It also directed the North West Provincial Government to heighten its monitoring and intervention to ensure municipalities deliver on their constitutional obligations.

The worst municipalities in the North West Province

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) made numerous findings against municipalities in the North West Province.

It added that these problems have resulted in the violation of residents’ rights to dignity, health, safety, and life.

The City of Matlosana is beset by chronic sewage spillages in Orkney and Alabama, and has experienced long delays in repairing sinkholes in Stilfontein.

JB Marks Local Municipality experiences persistent sewage spillages, erratic waste collection, poor road infrastructure and water shortages.

Maquassi Hills Local Municipality suffers from inconsistent water supply, ongoing sewage and littering challenges in Wolmaransstad, Kgakala, and Tshepisa.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality is battling water shortages, poor water quality, and sewage spillages in Bloemhof, Reivilo, Ganyesa, and Huhudi.

Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality’s failure to provide registered residential sites with roads and electricity, particularly in Boitumelong.

Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality’s mismanagement of the Bray landfill site compromised residents’ right to health and dignity.

Ngaka Modiri Molema Local Municipality’s persistent water shortages and sewage failures in multiple areas within its jurisdiction.

Mahikeng Local Municipality’s failure to manage, illegal dumping and stormwater flooding near Bophelong Hospital endangered residents.

Ditsobotla Local Municipality’s failure to complete the road project in Itsoseng Zone 2 hindered residents’ movement and dignity.

Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality’s persistent water shortages, sewage spills, and unsafe settlements in flood zones were confirmed.

Madibeng Local Municipality’s had water shortages in several areas, among others, Jericho, Kagisanong View, Majakaneng, and Lethabile Block E.

Moretele Local Municipality’s failure to maintain roads and water shortages continues to affect rural communities and schools.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s widespread water and sanitation challenges persist across multiple villages.

The Rustenburg Local Municipality is engulfed by chronic water shortages and sewage spillages across several communities.

In light of the findings, the SAHRC has issued directives to all affected municipalities to address the issues.

They must deploy operational teams to resolve sewage spillages within 24 hours of reporting and submit 30-day progress reports on the remedial actions taken.

They must develop and implement costed, time-bound action plans within 90 days to permanently address systemic challenges in service delivery.

They must also remediate environmental damage caused by sewage, waste, and illegal dumping.

The North West Province’s problems are not new

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) said the utter collapse of municipal service delivery in the North West province comes as no surprise.

“The report merely confirms what the party has been pointing out for years in municipalities and Parliament,” it said.

It said that municipal service delivery in the province has not merely deteriorated, but has ground to a complete halt.

It stated that sewage flows through homes, streets, and even schools, and water outages lasting weeks or months are common.

“Uncollected refuse piles up, and a growing number of illegal dumping sites where children sometimes play have emerged, which poses a serious risk,” it said.

It stated that the North West Provincial Government had the mandate to intervene but neglected its duty.

“It is no longer a matter of poor service delivery, but a daily violation of people’s constitutional rights and a public health crisis,” it said.

“Communities should not have to bear the brunt of these individuals’ mismanagement and corruption.”

The Democratic Alliance in the province has also welcomed the report from the SAHRC, having lodged multiple complaints through various channels. It has urged oversight of the interventions recommended.