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EFF Gauteng Demands Action: March to Joburg Water Offices Over Ongoing Water Crisis
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng are set to march to Joburg Water’s offices on Monday, demanding an immediate end to “watershedding” and accountability for the city’s ongoing water crisis. The protest comes amid widespread frustration over erratic water supply in parts of Johannesburg, which has been attributed to ageing infrastructure and high demand.
EFF’s Demands
Dumisani Baleni, EFF Gauteng spokesperson, outlined the party’s demands, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to address water safety and sustainable water management.
“The utility can only function well if we get rid of people who are there to facilitate tenders, to facilitate water tender mafias, and in the process compromise our people. So, we need to deal with corruption, invest in infrastructure, and mostly invest in power infrastructure so that we are not over-dependent on Eskom,” Baleni said.
The EFF is also calling for a fully-funded water utility, suggesting that the city’s water crisis might be the result of sabotage in tender procurement processes. “We need a properly funded state that has the capacity to do things on its own,” Baleni added.
Background of the Crisis
Since November 2024, Joburg Water has been implementing water supply reductions, leaving many areas struggling with low water levels for months. In response, the city introduced water throttling measures late last year to try and keep taps running. However, these measures have done little to alleviate the crisis, prompting public outcry and now, political action.
Accountability and Governance
Baleni stressed that the EFF would use its presence in the City of Johannesburg Council Committee to ensure accountability. “We will make sure to enforce responses through this march. Secondly, the EFF is also present in the City of Johannesburg Council Committee, so there should be accountability in that arm of governance,” he said.
Allegations of Sabotage
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has called on police to investigate claims of sabotage within the city’s water supply. Allegations have surfaced that employees may be tampering with infrastructure to undermine his leadership.
“We note that this ploy is said to be part of a political scheme to render the city ungovernable and to usurp the mayor of his authority,” said Morero. “These damning allegations will not be taken lightly, and we will explore legal counsel and possible options, not ruling out approaching law enforcement agencies for a possible probe should these allegations be found to be legitimate.”
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