Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has called on residents living along the Vaal River floodlines to evacuate and avoid returning to their homes, warning of the ongoing flood risk due to increased water releases from dams.
Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, visited the Vaal Dam on Wednesday to assess the state of water infrastructure following heavy rainfall across the Vaal River Catchment, which has significantly increased inflows into the dam. They were joined by Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, CEO Sipho Mosai, and provincial water heads from Gauteng, Free State, and North West.
The Minister highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, where sluice gates remain open to manage rising water levels. She explained that controlled water releases are a necessary part of flood management protocols aimed at protecting infrastructure, safeguarding communities, and preventing loss of life, property damage, and service disruptions.
Since 3 March 2025, the Department of Water and Sanitation has been steadily releasing water from the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams to maintain their structural integrity and reduce the risk of flooding. Currently, five sluice gates at each dam are open to accommodate continued inflows.
Despite the high water levels, Majodina reassured the public that the bulk water supply remains secure. The department is working closely with municipalities to manage local water distribution and ensure consistent access to clean drinking water.
She cautioned residents encroaching on flood-prone zones to relocate to safer ground and secure any valuable items, including infrastructure and livestock. The Minister also advised religious organisations and the public to stay away from large bodies of water during this period, stressing the danger of strong, often invisible, water currents.
Majodina noted that water levels can rise rapidly in areas far from the rainfall, due to tributaries feeding into the dams. She urged communities to remain vigilant, especially with the Easter holidays approaching, when water-based activities may increase.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo echoed her concerns, acknowledging the scenic appeal of living near water but emphasising the importance of observing floodline boundaries. He warned that the government cannot be held accountable for those who ignore safety advisories and cross into restricted zones.
As of Wednesday morning, the Vaal Dam was recorded at 114.61% capacity, with an outflow of 793 cubic metres per second. The Bloemhof Dam, which had peaked at 116% the previous night, had dropped to 111% by morning. Consequently, the department reduced its outflow from 3,000 to 2,500 cubic metres per second.
The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the situation closely and has committed to providing regular updates. Residents are strongly encouraged to follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management teams to stay safe.
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