Water woes | Stomach complaints disrupt learning in Bronkhorstspruit crèche

Water woes | Stomach complaints disrupt learning in Bronkhorstspruit crèche Zandile.Khumalo Tue, 10/27/2026 - 16:06

PRETORIA - More than 115 children from a creche in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, have reportedly fallen ill with a stomach bug.

There are claims by the school that it could be linked to untreated drinking water.

The principal of Themebalethu Place of Care claims that the incident has left parents fearful, with many now questioning whether water supplied by water tankers is safe to consume.

Their fears were heightened further following Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to Bronkhorstspruit on Monday.

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The visit followed reports of gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated water in the area.

During a media briefing, Mashatile raised concerns about the source of water supplied by some private tanker operators.

Currently, the City of Tshwane has deployed 36 water tankers to help restore access to safe water in Bronkhorstspruit.

**READ | **Govt raises concern over unregulated water tankers

But government has noted the emergence of private tanker operators, with Mashatile saying there will be intervention to follow up on those water tankers.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the Tshwane Metro Police Department has received all registration numbers to follow up on the water tankers around to ensure they know where they source the water and who has tested it.