Ratau said this in response to an outcry by community members in Phuthaditjhaba who were pained earlier this month when the Sterkfontein Dam released some water to the Vaal Dam for Gauteng residents, even though QwaQwa is closer and needs the water relief more. 

Ratau also says communities need to consider factors such as why certain dams are built before demanding water from municipalities - as in the case of Sterkfontein Dam. 

Local photographer, Tankiso Khumalo, who made a short documentary about the water situation in QwaQwa, says many people living in those areas are uneducated and rely on the government to educate them on such matters - which government is not doing enough of. 

Khumalo adds that it would be better if the provincial government in the area worked out viable solutions to combat water shortages in the area before the situation escalates to violence. 

Phuthaditjhaba has been without water since October 2015 and citizens rely mainly on water tankers organised by the municipality for their daily water needs.

"The rationale for Sterkfontein Dam is for it to be a reserve storage, particularly for the Vaal Dam and the Vaal River System. That is what it was built for - that the Vaal Dam can have water. That is the only reason it has been there. With regard to the issues of the Qwaqwa region - there are plans to look at how the people in the areas can be assisted to get water. But whether or not the water will come from the dam (Sterkfontein), is something that is still under discussion.”

Pulane Choane/OFM News