By Mapaballo Borotho
- The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Mogale City is reportedly facing a growing sewage crisis linked to the failure of the Percy Steward Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- The DA says the pollution threatens tourism, livelihoods and the environmental integrity of the UNESCO heritage site.
- Calls have now been made for urgent intervention and repairs to prevent further damage.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Mogale City is reportedly grappling with a sewage crisis following the breakdown of the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The issue was raised by DA Gauteng spokesperson for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Leanne De Jager, on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
De Jager warned that the environmental damage not only threatens tourism in Gauteng but also affects livelihoods and South Africa’s responsibility as custodian of the internationally recognised heritage site.
“Meanwhile, the area’s natural and scientific value, which attracted visitors and researchers, is being eroded by Mogale City’s failure to manage and maintain essential infrastructure,” said De Jager.
She called on Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, to urgently intervene and enforce compliance by Mogale City to ensure the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant is fully and permanently repaired.
The DA said it will also submit questions to determine how long the plant has been discharging sewage, what actions Mogale City has taken to address the problem and what timelines have been set for full remediation.
“This is deeply concerning, as Gauteng’s heritage sites are key drivers of economic growth.
It is difficult to see how the national goal of leveraging heritage for social and economic benefit can succeed while a UNESCO World Heritage Site deteriorates under sewage pollution,” De Jager added.
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