Newcastle Municipality combats misinformation: Ntshingwayo Dam water is safe for residents
Newcastle Municipality has assured residents that water supplied by Ntshingwayo Dam to areas is safe to drink.
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The Newcastle Municipality has dismissed as false and misleading a voice note circulating on social media that claimed the Ntshingwayo Dam had been poisoned.
The municipality states that the allegations are entirely fabricated and lack any factual basis.
In a statement issued this week, the municipality said it was “seriously concerned” about the spread of the voice note, which it described as “deliberately designed to spread misinformation” and “incite fear, panic, and instability within our communities.”
The Ntshingwayo Dam supplies water to the towns of Madadeni, Osizweni, and Newcastle. Municipal officials reassured residents that the water remains “safe, clean, and fit for human consumption” and emphasised that water quality is continuously monitored according to the South African National Standard (SANS 241), which governs drinking water in South Africa.
“No abnormalities or contamination have been detected,” the statement said.
Newcastle mayor Xolani Dube, condemned the voice note as reckless, warning that the municipality would not tolerate the deliberate spread of false information.
“Our water systems are continuously monitored in accordance with national standards, and any individual found to be spreading false information will face the full consequences of the law,” the Mayor said.
The municipality confirmed it is working closely with relevant authorities to trace the source of the misinformation.
“Appropriate action, including legal and criminal measures, will be taken against individuals found to be responsible for the intentional dissemination of false information,” the statement said.
Officials warned that sharing unverified messages poses a “serious threat to public safety and social stability,” and urged residents to rely only on official municipal communication channels for accurate updates.
The Newcastle Municipality said it remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of residents and ensuring uninterrupted access to safe and clean water, while continuing to monitor and test its water supply in full compliance with national standards.
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