Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Parys and surrounding areas without water for weeks

ByAfriForum 10/08/202310/08/2023

AfriForum, a leading civil rights organisation dedicated to upholding constitutional rights, has issued a strong demand for the Ngwathe Local Municipality and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to immediately restore the water supply to the communities of Parys, Tumahole and Schonkenville. Some areas within these communities have been without water for two weeks, violating their constitutional right to access clean and potable water.

The situation has reached a critical point, with residents facing dire health risks and significant hardships due to the lack of access to water. AfriForum’s letter highlights the legal obligations of the municipality and the DWS, as well as the potential legal consequences and administrative actions that could arise from their failure to address this crisis promptly.

“The right to access sufficient water is not only a fundamental human right but also a legal obligation enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” said Marais de Vaal, Advisor for Environmental Affairs at AfriForum. “The affected communities have endured unacceptable hardships, and we will not stand idly by while their constitutional rights are disregarded. We demand immediate action to restore their access to clean and safe drinking water.”

AfriForum’s letter underlines the importance of transparent communication with affected residents, a clear timeline for resolution, and interim measures to provide water during this crisis. If the situation persists, AfriForum warns of potential legal actions.

“We strongly urge the Ngwathe Local Municipality and the DWS to take this matter seriously and take immediate, decisive action,” De Vaal concluded. “The consequences of their inaction extend beyond legal ramifications. They have a moral and ethical duty to ensure the well-being of their citizens. The minister is well aware of this situation and has made a lot of promises to the communities in a previous meeting held and chaired by him.”