The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, last week came out strongly against the abuse of positions of power to solicit sexual favours from women in exchange for water. “Tough action will be taken against them,” warned Molewa.

Molewa’s statement came in light of a recent article in the Sowetan newspaper (28 August) which claimed a councillor in Limpopo was demanding sex from poor women in Makhaduthamaga Local Municipality in Jane Furse in exchange for connection to water services.

“I am deeply disturbed by these allegations and wish to express my disgust that 19 years into our democracy women are subjected to such indignity,” said Molewa, adding that while the councillor in question has not been found guilty, the Department of Water Affairs is encouraged by the investigation into the allegations that is currently underway.

According to the official statement released by the Department of Water Affairs on the 28 August, Molewa will be engaging the Makhaduthamaga Local Municipality with a view to establishing the facts around the matter, in order to ensure appropriate steps are taken. The statement also established the fact that the minister had contacted the municipality to ensure the safety and well-being of the women who had come forward and to prevent victimisation and reprisals from the alleged culprit against them.

“As National Women’s Month draws to a close, I urge all women to come forward and report abuse of this nature to the authorities. Anyone who is found guilty of such behaviour must be dealt with harshly,” concluded Molewa.