Why SA government claims about safe drinking water claims don't hold water

Three people were killed in South Africa's North West province this week - allegedly at the hands of police - in protests over a lack of clean water.

There have also been disturbing reports that water pumps in the Madibeng municipality were "deliberately" sabotaged by corrupt officials. The Times newspaper reported that municipal officials were implicated in a kickback scheme that saw owners of water tankers "cream" R1.3-million a month from the municipality. A report in Business Day newspaper suggested that the violent protests were "a long time coming".

Earlier this year, Africa Check investigated repeated claims by government ministers that between 94% and 96% of South Africans have access to safe drinking water. As we discovered, the claims don't hold water. - Africa Check 16/01/2014.