In the latest chapter of South Africa's ongoing water crisis, a heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded in Kgabisi Village, QwaQwa. Madala Lekgetho Mofokeng, a 67-year-old resident, died while carrying water back to his home. With no running water in the village since May 2024, Mofokeng was forced to undertake a grueling 5km journey to a distant borehole to fetch water. The journey ultimately proved fatal, as he collapsed while pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with water, accompanied by his wife, 69-year-old Gogo Magauta Mofokeng.
The Strain of the Water Crisis on Rural Communities
This tragic incident highlights the severe toll that South Africa’s water crisis is taking on vulnerable rural communities. In an interview with *Daily Sun*, Gogo Magauta shared the moment her husband collapsed, unable to continue their daily struggle for water. “It was only his second trip fetching water that day when he suddenly collapsed. We’re forced to wake up early each morning to reach the boreholes, a harsh reminder of the challenges we face,” she said.
Magauta recounted the heartbreaking moment when Mofokeng collapsed, saying, “He was sitting on the wheelbarrow when I heard him make a strange sound and then saw him fall. I tried to help, but he passed away in my hands. I’m still in shock—it was an unimaginable moment.”
A Longstanding Crisis in QwaQwa
The water scarcity in QwaQwa has been ongoing for nearly six months, affecting daily life for residents across several villages. Community leader Molelle Mokoena explained, “Our taps last had water on election day. Now, we’re forced to get it from a distant borehole. We haven’t seen the ward councillor since the election campaign, and we’re heartbroken by this tragic loss.”
The Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Water spokesperson, Tebogo Radebe, acknowledged that the community’s struggles were intensified by repeated vandalism at the Pereng Pump Station, which has been targeted multiple times in recent months. “The Vaal Central has promised to deliver replacement equipment soon,” she noted, offering hope for a potential resolution.
Dr. Roy Jankielsohn, DA leader in the Free State, expressed deep concern over the province’s ongoing water crisis, noting that his party had submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission. “Many villagers rely on boreholes, springs, and rivers for water or must pay private water vendors who charge as much as R600 for 1,000 liters. For those living on social grants, this is a heavy cost,” he said.
Jankielsohn pointed out that while Maluti-a-Phofung Water funds three tankers to deliver water to schools, hospitals, and homes for funerals, most residential areas remain underserved. “We hope the upcoming report will address these concerns and bring accountability,” he added.
The tragic death of Madala Lekgetho Mofokeng underscores the urgency of addressing South Africa’s water crisis and providing consistent access to clean water for all communities. This incident has drawn renewed attention to the hardships faced by rural areas, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to improve water access across the nation.
With ongoing efforts to address infrastructure issues, many hope that Mofokeng’s passing will inspire a stronger commitment to resolving this crisis, ensuring no more lives are lost to a basic need so many take for granted.