Johannesburg, South Africa, 30 October, 2025 – Residents, community organisations, and civil society groups across Johannesburg will gather for a peaceful citizen-led protest on Saturday, 1 November 2025, at 10am outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers, to demand urgent action to end the city’s deepening water crisis.
When: 1 November, 10am
Where: Civic Boulavard, Braamfontein
What: Joburg Water Protest
Organisers have called on all participants to avoid political party regalia and slogans to ensure the protest remains a united voice of ordinary Joburgers - a collective stand for accountability, dignity, and the constitutional right to water.
United by frustration and a shared demand for justice, communities are calling the crisis a “human rights and economic emergency.” In a formal letter to Executive Mayor Dada Morero and other government officials, the coalition outlines eight urgent demands to restore transparency, governance, and fairness in the city’s water system.
The coalition says the protest is not about conflict but partnership. “The solutions exist – what’s missing is political will and transparency,” they added. “We want to work with the City to make the Turnaround Strategy a reality.”
The protest forms part of a growing movement demanding that government ringfence all water and sanitation funding, account for the R4 billion swept from Joburg Water’s accounts, prioritise the Joburg Water Turnaround Strategy, investigate tanker contracts, and ensure piped water access for all communities - including informal settlements.
“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,” reads the coalition letter. “This is not just an infrastructure problem – it’s a violation of constitutional rights.”
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
