The GPO has also received complaints regarding water challenges in the City of Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni Local Municipality and Rand West Local Municipality with affected areas being  Waterdal, and Venterspos. Concerned by the water crisis in Gauteng, the Commission has been engaging with several stakeholders. The Commission engaged with the Joburg Water between 1 September and 7 October 2025 and the Office of the Gauteng Premier on 15, 22 and 23 September 2025.

Subsequent to the stakeholder engagement water supply was restored to Selby on 14 October 2025, and subsequently to Sophiatown and Coronationville on 27 October 2025. Joburg Water informed the Commission that it has also initiated a borehole water programme in Phumla Mqashi (Region G), while water tankers continue to be deployed in affected areas, such as Phumla Mqashi, Bedfordview, and Kensington, during temporary supply interruptions.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has indicated that the principal cause of reduced access to water in the City of Johannesburg is the aging and deteriorating water reticulation infrastructure. The Commission has also received complaints from residents within the Rand West Local Municipality, following a 20% water restriction imposed by Rand Water due to the municipality’s non-payment of its debt obligations. This restriction has significantly affected communities in Venterspos, Glenharvie, Zuurbekom, and Bekkersdaal.

Despite a prior meeting between Rand West Local Municipality and Rand Water where the municipality requested a three-month grace period to address its financial challenges, and despite Rand Water’s apparent agreement to delay any restrictions, the water cut was nevertheless implemented the very next day. This abrupt action severely affected local communities, including essential institutions such as schools and clinics in Glenharvie. In the meantime, water is being supplied through tankers in coordination with ward councillors to alleviate the crisis.

The Commission calls on all stakeholders to act with urgency to address the water crisis in Gauteng. For its part the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights to access sufficient water, dignity, and health of affected communities are upheld.

END

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission