Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina urged residents who live along the floods of the Vaal River to evacuate the area and already relocated people to not return home.
Majodina conducted a site visit to Vaaldam on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Makhlobo, assessing the condition of its water resource infrastructure following significant influx of rain across the Vaal River catchment due to permanent rainfall.
Ministers were joined by Landwater Chairman Ramteu Moniokoro and Chief Executive Officer Sifo Mosai, as well as the Chief Executive of Gauteng, Free State and Northwest, Justice Marleke, Zerso Ntiri and Laxro Mudiczen, respectively.
Majodina warned that lowland areas downstream of Vaal and Bloemhof Dams remain vulnerable as water is being released through open locks used to control water levels.
“During heavy rain and high influx into dams, the department will implement flood management protocols through controlled water releases to ensure the safety of water resource infrastructure (dams and barrages). Protecting such downstream communities, loss of human lives and livelihoods, destruction of property, destruction of services, and dams will enter the season.
Since March 3, 2025, the Department of Water and Sanitation has gradually released water from both dams via locks and valves to maintain structural integrity and reduce flood risk.
Currently, five lock gates for both Vaal and Bloemhof dams have been opened to manage the increasing influx.
Speaking from the walls of Vaal Dam, Majodina ensured that the large-scale water supply remained stable and that the department would work closely with local governments to manage the water reticulation, allowing South African citizens to access drinking water from the tap.
The minister warned residents entering the flood line to move to safe areas and remove valuable equipment such as mobile infrastructure and livestock.
She appealed to religious groups and the public to avoid large waters, as strong currents pose a serious risk.
“We want to pleas for people on the flood line. While there may not be any rain in your area, due to the tributaries that flow into the dam, a large amount of water can reach your area and wash away your home.
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“Water currents are not always visible on the surface, and can be difficult to detect and put in danger. Be careful about water activities that can put your life at risk as you approach Easter,” the minister advised.
Marrobo said living near large bodies of waters is visually appealing. However, there were boundaries that should not be crossed for safety reasons.
“There are red lines on the flood line that should not be crossed, and if the water volume increases, there is a risk to the residents and their property. We cannot be held responsible for decisions made by individuals crossing that red line,” Marrobo said.
Vaal and Bloemhof Dams Status
The department reported that five lock gates remain open, at 793 cubic meters (Mᵌ/s) at Vaal Dam, with water levels at 114.61% this morning.
“In Bloemhof Dam, the levels have been falling from 116% last night (Tuesday) to 111% this morning (Wednesday) and the water levels continue to fall. As such, the division has dropped from 3,000 mᵌ/s to 2,500 mᵌ/s by this afternoon.”
The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the situation and provides regular updates. Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local governments and disaster management teams.
