Johannesburg Water Crisis Protest
Johannesburg residents, backed by civil society organisations, are staging a peaceful protest outside the city’s council chambers today, demanding swift action to end the ongoing water shortages plaguing the metro. Set for Saturday, 1 November 2025, starting at 10AM in Braamfontein, the demonstration highlights frustrations over dry taps, intermittent supplies, and governance failures that have left communities without reliable water for weeks.    Organised by groups like WaterCAN and the Joburg Water Forum, the event follows similar marches earlier this year and aims to push for real changes in how the city handles its water woes.    With hospitals, schools, and businesses suffering, protesters say the crisis is a human rights emergency that needs immediate fixes. 
Roots of the Water Crisis in Johannesburg
The city’s water troubles stem from ageing pipes, power cuts, and growing demand, leaving many areas with low pressure or no water at all. Residents in suburbs and informal settlements have faced weeks without taps running, forcing them to rely on costly tankers or unsafe sources. Earlier this year, similar protests drew crowds calling for the same fixes, but little has changed, say organisers.
WaterCAN’s executive manager, Ferrial Adam, has slammed the situation as caused by “governance failures” rather than natural shortages. She points to crumbling infrastructure and poor leadership as key culprits, affecting everything from daily life to small businesses. Experts assure the current issues will ease soon, but protesters want long-term solutions, not quick fixes.
Key Demands from Protesters and Organisers
In an open letter, WaterCAN and partners have laid out clear calls for change. These include providing running water to informal settlements, reforming the Joburg Water board, and ringfencing funds to stop misuse. They also demand full accountability for the R4 billion pulled from Johannesburg Water, rolling out the City’s Water Turnaround Strategy, and probing water tanker contracts amid claims of sabotage by “tanker mafias.”
Other groups like the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Defend Our Democracy back the protest, stressing water as a basic right. New parties like Unite for Change are joining too, showing broad support across society.
Organisers and Civil Society Push for Accountability
Over a dozen groups, including WaterCAN, JoburgCAN, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, are leading the charge. They say the crisis hits hardest in poor areas, where people pay for water that never comes. Protests like this have happened before, such as in Lenasia over illegal connections, showing long-standing anger.
Videos and posts from groups urge people to join, with hashtags like #ReNyakaMetse, #ActForWater, and #JoburgWaterCrisis trending. Petitions are circulating to add more voices to the call for clean, piped water for all.
Expert Views and Broader Impacts
Water experts say the problems come from old pipes, leaks, and poor planning, made worse by power cuts hitting pumps. They promise fixes soon, but protesters want lasting changes, not just words. The crisis affects health, schools, and jobs, with small businesses closing due to no water.
City officials have not yet responded to today’s protest, but past promises include upgrading systems. As the rally unfolds, it could push for real talks on fixing Johannesburg’s water for good.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.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