Lesufi Says Water Protests Expose Deeper Crisis

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has apologised to residents facing water shortages, saying the province is battling a mix of unemployment, ageing infrastructure, corruption and illegal connections.

Speaking in Sandton during a seminar on the role of sub-national government in global governance, Lesufi admitted the frustration that has sparked widespread protests across Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng this week.

Communities in areas such as Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Riverlea and parts of western Johannesburg have taken to the streets in recent days over intermittent water supply, prolonged throttling, and electricity failures linked to burnt-out transformers and illegal connections. Roads have been blockaded as protesters demand urgent government action.

“Our people are unemployed, but that does not mean we must deny them water, electricity and sewer. The numbers are increasing, our infrastructure is ageing, and municipalities are finding it very difficult to rebuild new infrastructure,” Lesufi said.

The premier revealed that emergency discussions have already been held with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, executive mayors and MECs to find immediate solutions. He stressed that the voices of protesting communities had been heard.

“We want to assure those communities on the streets that your voice has been heard. We are working extremely hard to ensure that we reconnect water. It’s an ageing infrastructure, but also vandalism and illegal connections are part of the problem,” he added.

Lesufi emphasised that corruption and vandalism remain major stumbling blocks. He also noted that government is engaging international experts to learn how to boost municipal revenue while protecting access to basic services for the poor.

He called for patience from residents but assured them that the government had already been working “behind the scenes” before the protests erupted.