Sanitation
Elections 2026: Blunders in Mangaung are poisoning Free State water
While the municipality loses billions, sewage flows into rivers and residents struggle for water
Feature | 1 September 2026
Khayelitsha learners miss a week of school as sewage saga continues
The sewage spill has been cleaned up but parents are not convinced it is safe
By Vincent Lali
Brief | 28 August 2026
Gap in Cape Town’s janitor contracts leaves communities living in filth
The municipality says it will appoint some new janitors in September
By Vincent Lali and GroundUp Staff
News | 27 August 2026
In this town, old women have to relieve themselves in a field
Some families have been living in Aloe-T informal settlement in Komani, Eastern Cape, since 1997
News | 26 August 2026
Parents close Cape Town school for three days because of sewage leak
Education department says it will be fixed by Wednesday
By Vincent Lali
Brief | 25 August 2026
Four months of raw sewage on Durban road
Overflowing manholes have forced motorists and taxis to take longer routes
Brief | 18 August 2026
Battle to stop illegal dumping in Cape Town’s townships
“Immediately after we clean, people dump again”
News | 5 August 2026
Joburg refuse collection at a standstill as workers block Pikitup depots
Contract workers want the same rights as permanent workers
By Seth Thorne
News | 4 August 2026
Despite sewerage upgrades, Mogale City still polluting Cradle of Mankind
Tests detect high E. coli levels in water flowing from the Percy Stewart treatment plant into the Blougat Spruit
Text by Seth Thorne. Photos by Ihsaan Haffejee.
News | 3 August 2026