The Rietvlei Dam has a dangerously high level of pollutants in it - and some of them are causing the fish living in it to undergo sex changes.
According to the Pretoria East Record, recent studies show that its calm waters hide oestrogenic and agricultural chemicals, which are 'feminising' male creatures and causing cancer.
The Rekord reports that the cancer warning is part of the SA Water Research Commission report, "which states that a “dangerously high level” of chemical pollution has been detected in the Rietvlei Dam".
The head of andrology at the Department of Urology at the University of Pretoria, Prof Riana Bornman told the Rekord that their team tested male fish and animals dependent on the water - and found that the pollution in the dam was causing ‘feminisation’.
“For instance, male barbers (Clarius gariepinus) were found with female ovaries and clearly defined, underdeveloped penises,” she said.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
