/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The GOOD Party calls on the City of Cape Town to engage with industry leaders, academics, medical doctors and marine conservationists regarding testing protocols at the City’s beaches,

In a citizen-driven investigation, compiled by Dr. Jo Barnes, Senior Lecturer and Emeritus Epidemiologist at Stellenbosch University, and Prof. Leslie Petrik, Professor of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape, over November and December 2024, the presence of sewage pollution was confirmed on certain dates. 

According to the Project Blue report, Blue Flag beaches, Camps Bay and Clifton saw alarming levels of Enterococci during the festive season.

‘Camps Bay water results show high Enterococci levels on one of the five dates tested being more than 2419 cfu/100ml on 06 December 2024.’

‘Clifton 4th Beach showed high Enterococci levels on two of the three dates tested being 596 cfu/100ml on 26/11/2024 and 281 cfu/100ml on 06 December 2024.’

Alarmingly, the researchers reported no visible signage or warnings to beachgoers about the potential health risks, even in areas where bacterial counts far exceeded safety thresholds.

To be categorized as a Blue Flag Beach various criteria needs to be met including that the water must be clean and free of contamination.

Despite this report the City’s officials continue to claim, to the public, that our recreational coastal waters are safe.  However, given the health risks and the source of the “Project Blue” report, we suggest it is essential that the Council, either directly or through the Committees tasked with oversight of health, water and sanitation and our environment receive a briefing from the authors of this report.

As GOOD we have written to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to call an urgent joint committee meeting of the following portfolios: Water and Sanitation; Community Services and Health; Planning and Environment.

Dr Barnes and Prof. Petrik should be invited to the joint committee meeting to present their methodology and explain their findings.

This investigation raises concerns about the city’s sewage treatment protocols, regulations and monitoring.

As GOOD we have previously raised the alarm about the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George granting the City an interim decision to suspend the effluent quantity discharge limit.

GOOD believes that the discharge of sewage into the ocean without proper consistent monitoring can have significant impacts on public health and the environment.

The DA-led City and the DA-Minister are taking a reckless gamble with public safety.

As GOOD we call on the City of Cape Town to introduce a proper sampling protocol that is peer reviewed by industry experts.

The public needs real-time, constant access to testing results.

Issued by GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Chairperson Suzette Little