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The Joburg water crisis is not a technical failure, but a leadership failureĀ 

Posted on February 3, 2026
52

Mapaballo Borotho

Rand Water warns of system collapse
Image: Adobe Stock
  • Rise Mzansi says Johannesburg’s water crisis is the result of leadership failure, not technical issues.
  • The party claims ten of the city’s reservoirs are critically low, with some outlets already closed.
  • It is urging residents to demand change at the polls in this year’s local government elections.

The Midrand water crisis has been described as a leadership failure rather than a technical one, as Johannesburg’s water situation continues to worsen, with Midrand reservoirs still below required levels.

According to Rise Mzansi, ten out of 12 reservoirs are critically low, with more than two outlets already closed.

ā€œThis crisis is no longer a technical failure; it is a leadership failure. While residents of Johannesburg diligently pay municipal bills, many are now forced to queue for water as if it were a luxury,ā€ said Rise Mzansi spokesperson Lawrence Manaka.

Manaka said the situation in Midrand can only be improved at the polls during this year’s local elections.

ā€œThe Johannesburg Water crisis is a clear signal that the current administration and city council have collapsed under the weight of their own incompetence. There is no plan, no urgency, and no accountability, only excuses,ā€ he said.

Manaka emphasised that the City of Gold cannot function without water.

ā€œCommunities cannot survive on empty promises; businesses cannot operate without water; schools, clinics and other public service centres become nodes for a public health outbreak.

ā€œWhat we need now is a responsive government led by young, agile, and decisive leaders who understand that service delivery is not optional. That change will only come if residents push out the current city establishment at the polls in the upcoming local government elections.ā€

READ NEXT: City of Joburg says recovery may take a week as Midrand battles water outages

The post The Joburg water crisis is not a technical failure, but a leadership failureĀ  appeared first on KAYA 959.

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