Register for free and continue reading
Join our growing army of changemakers and get unlimited access to our premium content
The deaths occurred in the Eastern Cape province last October but have only come to light now after the leak of a report into the epidemic.
Children died from diarrhoea and other complications but the exact disease which led to the tragedy is unknown as no stool samples were taken by the hospitals treating those affected.
What is known is that there was a breakdown in water purification works serving the Ukhahlamba District Municipality which the local authority was aware of.
Officials did not take action or issue a public warning until 15 deaths were reported.
The local authority blamed the hospital for the delay in action, saying it failed to report the deaths in time for a proper investigation to be carried out.
The Eastern Cape is a predominantly rural province, traditonal home to the Xhosa people and birthplace of many famous South Africans including Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Steve Biko.
Sam Bond
Please login or Register to leave a comment.