Fasting Becomes Daily Struggle as Brixton Faces Water Supply Challenges During Ramadan

Johannesburg – Residents in Brixton are finding it tough to observe Ramadan this year, as ongoing water outages turn the holy month of fasting into a daily battle for survival and spiritual practice. With taps running dry for over a month in some homes, Muslims in the community say the lack of reliable water makes it hard to perform ablutions before prayers or break their fasts with a simple drink, adding physical and emotional strain to a time meant for reflection and devotion. This crisis, hitting just as Ramadan began around late February 2026, highlights broader water woes across Johannesburg, where thousands face similar hardships, sparking protests and calls for urgent fixes from city officials.

The Impact on Daily Life and Religious Observance

For Muslims in Brixton, Ramadan is a sacred period where they fast from dawn to sunset, avoiding food and water to focus on faith, charity, and self-discipline. But without steady water, even basic rituals become a challenge. Ablutions, or wudu, involve washing the face, hands, and feet before each of the five daily prayers—a must for spiritual purity. Residents share stories of storing water in buckets or buying bottled supplies, which strains budgets already tight from rising costs. One local explained how the outage forces them to ration every drop, turning a month of peace into one of worry.

The emotional toll is just as heavy. Families gather at sunset for iftar, the meal to break the fast, but preparing food or staying hydrated afterwards is tough without running water. Dehydration risks rise in Johannesburg’s warm weather, especially for the elderly or those with health issues. Community members note that the ongoing disruptions cause stress and frustration, dimming the joy of shared prayers and feasts. To help, some mosques and neighbours have set up water collection points, but these are stopgap measures in a crisis that has dragged on far too long.

Broader Water Crisis Gripping Johannesburg

Brixton’s troubles are part of a larger water shortage hitting suburbs like Coronationville, Melville, Westbury, Midrand, and Parktown West. Some areas have gone weeks or even months without reliable supply, leading to dry taps and low pressure. The problems stem from ageing infrastructure, power outages at pumping stations, and leaks that waste millions of litres daily. In Midrand, residents endured nearly two weeks without water, while in Coronationville and Westbury, complaints mounted after almost three weeks of shortages.

Protests have erupted in places like Johannesburg South, where many Muslim communities live, with people taking to the streets to demand action. Signs read calls for basic rights to clean water, especially during Ramadan when needs peak. Officials acknowledge the strain, pointing to challenges like expanding reservoir capacity and fixing leaks as key fixes. The city has invested over R400 million in upgrades to systems like the Commando one, which serves Brixton and nearby spots, aiming to boost bulk water infrastructure over the next 18 months. This includes repairs to reservoirs and stations to stabilise supply and prevent future breakdowns.

Government and Community Responses

City leaders, including the Johannesburg mayor, have urged residents to conserve water through tips like group showers or shorter baths, but many see this as sidestepping the root issues. A ministerial visit to Joburg Water reassured that work is underway, with teams repairing pumps and addressing power glitches that worsen outages. Emergency plans are in place for Ramadan, such as water tankers delivering to hard-hit areas, though distribution can be uneven.

On the ground, community stakeholders are stepping up with contingency measures. In Brixton and surrounding neighbourhoods, volunteers organise water drives and share storage tips to ease the burden. For those fasting, advice includes staying indoors during peak heat and breaking fasts with hydrating foods like fruits. These efforts show resilience, but residents call for long-term solutions, like modernising pipes and boosting maintenance to avoid repeats. The crisis has also sparked talks on climate resilience, as droughts and urban growth add pressure to water resources.

Understanding the Challenges for Non-Muslims

For anyone not familiar with Ramadan, it lasts about 29 to 30 days, shifting earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, it runs from late February to late March, aligning with Johannesburg’s summer end when days are still warm. Fasting starts at fajr (dawn) and ends at maghrib (sunset), typically 13 to 15 hours without eating or drinking. Water shortages hit hardest at suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar, where hydration is crucial to avoid fatigue or health risks like kidney strain.

This outage adds to Johannesburg’s ongoing water woes, often blamed on infrastructure from the apartheid era that has not kept up with population growth. Power failures at Rand Water facilities, which supply the city, compound the problem, leading to empty reservoirs. Residents in affected areas must boil any available water or rely on tankers, which sometimes arrive late or not at all. The emotional strain is real—parents worry about children’s hygiene, and the elderly face mobility issues fetching supplies.

Hopes for Resolution and Lasting Fixes

As Ramadan continues, there is cautious optimism that ongoing repairs will restore flow soon. City teams are working around the clock on sites like the Brixton reservoir, aiming for quick wins like leak fixes that save water. Long-term, plans include bigger reservoirs and smarter monitoring to spot issues early. Community leaders urge patience but also accountability, pushing for transparent updates from officials.
In Brixton, the spirit of Ramadan—generosity and endurance—shines through as neighbours share what little they have. Yet, the struggle underscores a bigger need: Reliable services for all, regardless of faith or suburb. As protests grow and fixes roll out, Johannesburg residents hope this crisis sparks the changes needed for a drier, fairer future where no one thirsts during times of reflection.

🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 129: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Ngwathe Citizen Forum: Council Now Would Undermine Progress🔴

Read More:

Direct PDF File Here:

https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-News-Issue-129-1.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content,  Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info: info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube