South African Human Rights Commission subpoenas Emfuleni Municipality over ongoing sewage crisis

VANDERBIJLPARK - The South African Human Rights Commission has subpoenaed the Emfuleni Local Municipality over its failure to respond to ongoing human rights complaints linked to a persistent sewage crisis. Senior legal officer Khululiwe Sithole said the commission had received multiple complaints since 2022, yet the municipality remained unresponsive, prompting legal action. The complaints relate to widespread sewage spillage, water contamination, and hazardous living conditions. On April 2, ELM officials appeared before the commission, citing ageing infrastructure and financial constraints due to debts owed to Eskom and Rand Water as reasons for the delays. They claimed some issues were resolved, while others are still being addressed. Despite over R200-million spent on repairs, residents report little to no improvement. The SAHRC said it will inspect affected areas to verify the municipality’s claims.