- Johannesburg residents, civil society groups, and community organisations have united under a city-wide coalition demanding urgent action to end what they describe as a “human rights and economic emergency” caused by the worsening water crisis.
- In a formal letter to Mayor Dada Morero, the coalition outlined eight key demands -including the ring-fencing of water funds, transparency on the missing R4 billion from Joburg Water, and reforms to the water board to include civil society, business, and government oversight.
- The coalition will stage a peaceful protest on Saturday, 1 November 2025, at 10 a.m. outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers, featuring testimonies from residents, civic leaders, and experts, and an open call for the Mayor’s direct response.
- Civil society emphasises that the campaign seeks partnership, not confrontation, urging the City, the Gauteng Provincial Government, and the Department of Water and Sanitation to work with communities to restore accountability, stability, and safe water for all.
Johannesburg, South Africa – United by frustration and a shared demand for justice, residents, community organisations, and civil society groups across Johannesburg have come together to demand urgent action to end the city’s worsening water crisis – a crisis they describe as a “human rights and economic emergency.”
In a formal letter sent to Executive Mayor Dada Morero and other government officials, the coalition outlines eight urgent demands to restore accountability, transparency, and dignity in the city’s water system.
“We are fed up. We have waited too long while our taps run dry. This is not just about water – it’s about respect, accountability, and the right to live with dignity,” said the coalition.
The people of Johannesburg have had enough of excuses and failed promises. After years of smaller protests, residents are now uniting across the city to demand that all spheres of government act decisively to fix Johannesburg’s failing water system.
The coalition will hold a peaceful protest on Saturday, 1 November 2025, from 10am outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers to call for leadership and immediate action. The gathering will feature testimonies from affected residents, civil society leaders, and technical experts, followed by an open call for the Mayor’s direct response to the demands.
The coalition will, depending on the response of the City, embark on an escalation campaign, or forge a meaningful working relationship with City on the implementation of the demands made.
A Crisis of Governance and Justice
“Millions of Johannesburg residents are living without reliable access to water. Hospitals, schools, and small businesses are being forced to operate without this most basic necessity,” the coalition said. “This is not just an infrastructure problem – it’s a violation of constitutional rights,” the letter states.
Read the letter here.
The letter calls for urgent measures, including the ringfencing of all water and sanitation funding; an account for the R4 billion swept from Joburg Water’s accounts; making Joburg Water’s Turnaround Strategy a priority, investigating water tanks; providing piped water for informal settlements and reforming the Joburg Water Board and establishing a body that has an equal representation from civil society, business, and government to oversee accountability.
A Call for Partnership and Accountability
Civil society leaders and residents emphasised that these demands are not confrontational but constructive:
“We are calling for partnership, not conflict. The solutions exist – what’s missing is political will and transparency. We want to work with the City to make the Turnaround Strategy a reality,” said the coalition.
The coalition also appealed for national and provincial intervention, urging the Gauteng Provincial Government, Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Presidency to provide the technical and financial support necessary to stabilise the city’s failing water infrastructure.
Peaceful Protest: 1 November 2025
On Saturday, 1 November 2025, at 10am, residents, community leaders, faith groups, businesses, and professionals will gather outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers in a united, peaceful protest.
The coalition has stressed that your area may not be affected at the moment, but the fragility of the system means no one will be spared for long if the situation continues to worsen.
This is our moment to say: Enough is enough.
Johannesburg belongs to all of us – not to mismanagement, corruption, or excuses. Together, we will demand accountability, transparency, and our constitutional right to water.
Bring your voice, your banner, and your community – because when Joburgers stand together, change becomes unstoppable.
Issued by:
Abahlali Freedom Park
Abahlali Base Zola
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
CADE
Climate Justice Coalition
Defend our Democracy
JoburgCAN
Joburg Crisis Alliance
Professionals and Business for Change
PSA
Region F Civil Society Partnership
Rivonia Circle
Water Crisis Committee
WaterCAN
Xtinction Rebellion
YBRRA
Media Contacts
Mr Jonathan Erasmus
Communications Manager
WaterCAN
073-227-6075
Ms Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
083-278-8832
