The abominable bucket system, long the symbol of denigration of black people in this country, remains an aberration in the post-apartheid era.

The abominable bucket system, long the symbol of denigration of black people in this country, remains an aberration in the post-apartheid era.

Not only is the system a reminder of the dehumanisation of our people, it invariably remains a health hazard.

So the promise this week by the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry Lindiwe Hendricks that North West residents will no longer be subject to this ugly system in six months is most welcome.

She obviously echoes the promise made by President Thabo Mbeki during his State of the Nation address in February that efforts would be made to eradicate this system by the end of the year.

Now the government must deliver.

No time should be wasted to remove the stench that has plagued the masses for so long.