In Conversation With Marcia Maraka, Chief Director for Construction Management
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The Department of Water and Sanitation has moved to clarify concerns surrounding the conclusion of employment contracts for workers employed on the Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project in Standerton, Mpumalanga. The department stresses that the process does not constitute retrenchments, but rather the natural conclusion of project-based contracts following the discontinuation of the project.
The Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project was launched in 2015 as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving water conveyance and irrigation systems in the area. The canal plays a critical role in supplying water to strategic users, including Eskom, Sasol and surrounding municipalities. At the start of the project, 241 local workers were employed, with the workforce standing at 178 employees by 2026.
Originally scheduled for completion within 48 months, the project experienced significant delays due to operational, technical and financial challenges. Following a comprehensive review of the project’s progress and long-term sustainability, the department decided to discontinue and de-establish the project.
According to the department, rehabilitation work on the canal could only be undertaken during scheduled dry periods while water supply was temporarily diverted through the Vaal River Eastern Sub-System. However, operational deficiencies within VRESAP have limited its reliability, making it difficult to shut down the canal for extended rehabilitation work without affecting water supply to key users. The department has indicated that the rehabilitation project may be revived once VRESAP becomes fully operational, and that consideration will be given to rehiring workers on a project-based basis at that stage.
The department says it engaged with organised labour and affected employees through the Departmental Bargaining Chamber regarding the discontinuation of the project and its implications. It maintains that the affected employees were always employed on contracts linked specifically to the lifespan of the project.
A total of 178 employees are affected, with their contracts set to end on 30 June 2026. As of 22 June 2026, 61 employees had acknowledged receipt of their termination letters.
The Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project was launched in 2015 as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving water conveyance and irrigation systems in the area. The canal plays a critical role in supplying water to strategic users, including Eskom, Sasol and surrounding municipalities. At the start of the project, 241 local workers were employed, with the workforce standing at 178 employees by 2026.
Originally scheduled for completion within 48 months, the project experienced significant delays due to operational, technical and financial challenges. Following a comprehensive review of the project’s progress and long-term sustainability, the department decided to discontinue and de-establish the project.
According to the department, rehabilitation work on the canal could only be undertaken during scheduled dry periods while water supply was temporarily diverted through the Vaal River Eastern Sub-System. However, operational deficiencies within VRESAP have limited its reliability, making it difficult to shut down the canal for extended rehabilitation work without affecting water supply to key users. The department has indicated that the rehabilitation project may be revived once VRESAP becomes fully operational, and that consideration will be given to rehiring workers on a project-based basis at that stage.
The department says it engaged with organised labour and affected employees through the Departmental Bargaining Chamber regarding the discontinuation of the project and its implications. It maintains that the affected employees were always employed on contracts linked specifically to the lifespan of the project.
A total of 178 employees are affected, with their contracts set to end on 30 June 2026. As of 22 June 2026, 61 employees had acknowledged receipt of their termination letters.
