Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
- Whether his Department is aware of reports that the Kannaland Municipality used municipal potable water to fill a leaking swimming pool during the time of water restrictions; if so, (a) when was it reported and (b) what action has been taken;
- whether any investigation or compliance assessment has been initiated regarding this matter; if so, what are the findings to date;
- (a) how much water was supplied by the Oudtshoorn Municipality to the Kannaland Municipality during this period and (b) what is the total (i) volume and (ii) cost involved;
- what steps will his Department take to ensure stronger oversight of municipal compliance with water restrictions going forward?
10(1) The matter came to the Department’s attention by means of a Whatsapp message received on 9 December 2025. No formal communications has been received.
10(2) Upon receipt of the Whatsapp message, the Department immediately engaged Kannaland Municipality to determine whether Council had formally resolved to permit the filling of swimming pools during the period in question, or whether the action occurred outside an approved process, noting that Level 4 water restrictions were in place at the time.
The Department further consulted with the District Municipality to assess the potential regulatory, operational and reputational implications of the reported action. Following these engagements, it was agreed that corrective steps were required. A formal letter was subsequently issued by the District Municipality to the Municipal Manager instructing that the filling of swimming pools be ceased with immediate effect on the 10 December 2025 (refer to annexure A – letter to Kannaland Mayor)
10(3) The Department has requested a written report from Oudtshoorn Municipality to establish the factual circumstances, including:
- The volume of water utilised.
- The cost associated with the conveyance of water to Kannaland.
10(4) To strengthen oversight of municipal compliance with water restrictions going forward, the Department will explore and effect the following measures in line with legislative prescripts:
- Require municipalities to identify high-consumption users and apply stepped tariff penalties for usage exceeding restriction thresholds, with enforcement aligned to approved tariff policies and by-laws.
- Introduce mandatory periodic compliance reporting by Water Services Authorities, covering restriction implementation, enforcement actions, and demand management outcomes.
- Adopt a risk-based oversight model, with intensified monitoring for municipalities demonstrating recurring non-compliance.
