The inquiry follows numerous complaints received by the Commission concerning persistent and widespread water shortages, recurring service delivery disruptions, ageing infrastructure, governance failures, and the deteriorating reliability of water supply systems across Gauteng Province.

The Commission is concerned that the ongoing water crisis has severely impacted communities across the province, particularly poor and marginalised communities, residents of informal settlements, schools, healthcare facilities and social care institutions. The recurring disruptions in water supply raise serious concerns regarding the enjoyment of several constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, equality, life, healthcare, a healthy environment and access to sufficient water.

The Commission has further noted increasing concerns regarding emergency water supply mechanisms, including growing dependence on private water tanker systems during prolonged outages. Access to sufficient water is a constitutionally protected right and the state bears positive obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right.

The inquiry will examine, amongst others:

• the extent and nature of water access challenges across Gauteng Province;
• the causes of recurring water shortages, infrastructure failures and service delivery breakdowns;
• governance, planning, budgeting and infrastructure management systems;
• emergency response measures and intergovernmental coordination;
• the impact of the crisis on affected communities and vulnerable groups;
• the role and effectiveness of municipalities and other relevant state actors; and

The Commission has invited various stakeholders and role players to participate in the proceedings, including government departments, municipalities, water entities, civil society organisations, experts and affected communities.

The inquiry will take place as follows:

• Date: 19 to 21 May 2026
• Venue: Human Rights Conference Room, Old Fort Prison, Constitution Hill, 1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
• Time: 08:00am – 16:00

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION