Empty promises and zero accountability — inside Johannesburg’s deepening water crisis (opens original article in a new tab)

Johannesburg residents endure ongoing water shortages as political leaders fail to address infrastructure neglect and financial mismanagement, with promises of solutions repeatedly unfulfilled.

• Johannesburg residents face recurring water shortages despite political promises of solutions.
• The city's water infrastructure has deteriorated due to years of neglect, poor maintenance, and inadequate investment.
• The City of Johannesburg cut Joburg Water's budget by R201-million for 2025/26, worsening the crisis.
• 44.7% of Johannesburg's water is lost through leaks and non-revenue water, costing R3.8 billion annually.