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Free State water crisis: Water provision must be prioritised, says WaterCAN

Free State water crisis: Water provision must be prioritised, says WaterCAN

Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality is facing a chronic breakdown in basic water and sanitation services that is endangering public health, undermining dignity, and requiring urgent intervention, says WaterCAN.

WaterCAN said the latest crisis is another chapter in Free State communities’ ongoing fight for...

17.12.2025 16:44:53
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Unacceptable communication at the core of the latest Joburg Water fiasco, says WaterCAN

Unacceptable communication at the core of the latest Joburg Water fiasco, says WaterCAN

With much-needed Rand Water maintenance underway on critical infrastructure supplying Johannesburg, WaterCAN is raising concern that the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water systems are not coping with the knock-on impacts. While the maintenance itself is necessary, inadequate planning and po...

15.12.2025 17:35:45
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In Bekkersdal and Merafong, residents cry for water justice 

In Bekkersdal and Merafong, residents cry for water justice 

By Nhlanhla Sibisi, Campaigns Coordinator, WaterCAN


The communities of Bekkersdal and Merafong are living with the legacy of a failed municipal system on water delivery, particularly when it comes to access to safe water – a basic human right guaranteed by the South African constitution.

What many st...


12.12.2025 11:02:19
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WaterCAN citizen tests reveal unsafe drinking water in eight municipalities across South Africa

WaterCAN citizen tests reveal unsafe drinking water in eight municipalities across South Africa

The Annual WaterCAN Citizen Science Water Testing Week held in September has confirmed that unsafe water is not an isolated rural problem but a widespread national risk affecting communities across all nine provinces.

The most alarming results come from drinking-water sources that should be safe at t...

11.12.2025 19:50:37
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WaterCAN: Stop the non-payment. Restore water. Protect lives.

WaterCAN: Stop the non-payment. Restore water. Protect lives.
  • Contractor suspension hits informal settlements again, amid alleged nonpayment.
  • Debt crisis fuels stoppages, delays, and extended water cuts citywide.
  • WaterCAN demands timelines, transparency, investigation, and ring-fenced water funds.
09.12.2025 15:56:07
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WaterCAN raises alarm over unsafe tap water in Tulbagh – calls for immediate boil water notice and urgent intervention

WaterCAN raises alarm over unsafe tap water in Tulbagh – calls for immediate boil water notice and urgent intervention

UPDATE 18 December 2025: WaterCAN has been in contact with both the Witzenberg Municipality and the Western Cape Government concerning the crisis in Tulbagh. As soon as we have more details we will provide an updated statement.

07.12.2025 21:54:02
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WaterCAN welcomes Emalahleni ruling – calls for nationwide crackdown, personal accountability for municipal polluters

WaterCAN welcomes Emalahleni ruling – calls for nationwide crackdown, personal accountability for municipal polluters

WaterCAN has welcomed the landmark Mpumalanga High Court ruling that fined the Emalahleni Local Municipality R650 million for years of allowing untreated sewage to flow into rivers and dams – but says this must be the start of a nationwide crackdown on municipal polluters and the individuals who ena...

13.11.2025 20:47:24
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Days before the G20 Summit, Joburg Water’s R1 Billion debt sparks humanitarian crisis – says WaterCAN.

Days before the G20 Summit, Joburg Water’s R1 Billion debt sparks humanitarian crisis – says WaterCAN.

  • Johannesburg Water’s debt has surged past R1 billion, resulting in unpaid contractors thousands without access to water;
  • WaterCAN accuses the city of financial mismanagement and demands urgent action;
  • With the G20 Summit days away, WaterCAN warns that the city’s priorities are misplaced, prioritising ...
    • 11.11.2025 11:16:31
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    “No Water, No Vote”: Joburg’s united protest demands action

    “No Water, No Vote”: Joburg’s united protest demands action

    The Joburg Crisis Alliance notes that the water crisis protest on 01 November 2025, at the Metro Centre, brought people together from across the city of Johannesburg in a show of unity. The large numbers who attended the protest reflected the unity that can be built from a common struggle across rac...

    05.11.2025 11:51:40
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    Is the Sewer System of Johannesburg Collapsing?

    Is the Sewer System of Johannesburg Collapsing?

    Written by Dr Teresa Dirsuweit

    In 2024, WaterCAN — an organisation that monitors and reports on water quality — distributed testing kits to volunteers across the Johannesburg area. Dedicated citizen scientists have been regularly testing the city’s streams and monitoring pollution sources. The r...

    04.11.2025 13:45:11
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