By Mapaballo Borotho
- Deputy Minister Namane Masemola warns that failing water services could severely impact South Africa’s economy.
- Communities like Phumlamqashi continue to suffer from unsafe and unreliable water, with temporary solutions posing health risks.
- Residents are demanding formal water connections and urgent action to restore reliable water services.
The Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Namane Masemola, has warned that failing water entities could have a devastating impact on the country’s economy.
Masemola was speaking at a Ministerial Engagement with Mayors of metropolitan municipalities on Friday, 20 March 2026, stressing that stabilising water services through the newly formed Water Crisis Committee is urgent to keep investors confident.
“We have 144 water service authorities in the country tasked with delivering water services. One hundred and five of them are troubled in their hearts and souls, including the difficulties faced by metropolitan municipalities,” said Masemola.
His warning comes as communities continue to grapple with water shortages, particularly in Gauteng.
On Thursday, 19 March 2026, residents of the Phumlamqashi informal settlement protested over persistent water challenges, highlighting that they have gone days without clean water.
Community leader Bavenda Mphohone told Kaya News that JoJo tanks are a temporary fix and stressed the urgent need for running water with proper metered connections.
Mphohone added that the water from the JoJo tanks is unsafe, causing health issues among children and the elderly.
While some water connections were illegally connected, residents are now demanding formal water meters and reliable service.
They say they are willing to pay for water, but want a safe, consistent and dignified supply restored immediately.
READ NEXT: R760m water upgrade, investment drive and crackdown on corruption headline Gauteng SOPA
The post Failing water services could sink South Africa’s economy: Here’s what communities are facing appeared first on KAYA 959.
