WaterCAN calls for urgent intervention following Nana’s Farm protest

WaterCAN is deeply concerned about the latest service delivery protest in Nana’s Farm, Soweto, where residents continue to demand accountability over delayed development plans and inadequate access to basic services, including water, sanitation and electricity.

The protest follows promises reportedly made during a visit by the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) that work would resume within two weeks. Approximately three months later, residents say they have received no feedback, explanation for the delays or indication of when work will continue.

The community deserves answers and transparency from the City.

Through its ongoing work with the Nana’s Farm community, WaterCAN is aware of the daily challenges residents face in accessing water. Although the municipality supplies water through JoJo tanks, residents do not have reliable access to water every day.

Community members have also been testing this water through WaterCAN’s citizen science programme, helping them better understand the quality of the water they rely on.

Communities have a right to demand basic services, accountability and answers when commitments are not honoured. WaterCAN calls on the City of Johannesburg to urgently meet with residents, provide clear feedback on the delayed development plans and present a practical plan to address longstanding water and sanitation challenges.

WaterCAN is also deeply concerned by reports that several residents were shot with rubber bullets during the protest, as well as allegations of police entering residents’ homes.

We call on the police to exercise restraint and respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Any allegations of excessive force must be properly investigated.

Service delivery grievances cannot be resolved through confrontation. They require meaningful engagement, transparency and a clear commitment from the City to address the conditions residents face every day.