The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality’s latest council meeting was once again a demonstration of leadership failing while residents are enduring a water crisis.

Instead of concrete solutions to the water problem, racial slurs and political games dominated the debate.

The EFF councillor, Dan Khoza, claimed that white residents in the gallery were intimidating him – while they were mainly elderly people who simply wanted answers about water supply.

Playing the race card while communities have no water is short-sighted, irresponsible and divisive. Water shortages affect everyone, regardless of skin colour.

“In Bethal, one of the worst affected areas, residents have been without reliable water supply for more than 50 days,” said Aranda Nel-Buitendag, Freedom Front Plus councillor: Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, “Reservoirs such as Bethal Rand and Van Heerden are empty or nearly empty (0–5%), and high-lying areas receive no water at all.”

Communities have, out of sheer desperation, demonstrated and even bathed in puddles to draw attention to the problem. Still, a date for when the crisis is expected to be resolved has not been specified. And even when Rand Water does increase pressure, it takes days before the system temporarily recovers. This prolonged service failure is unacceptable and a violation of basic human rights.

The Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, confirmed that Rand Water pumps water intermittently. Yesterday afternoon pumping stopped again, and there is no fixed schedule. This severely disrupts residents’ lives while plunging them into uncertainty.

The Municipality has honoured payment arrangements with Rand Water since November–December 2023, but payments alone will not solve the crisis. What is needed is an emergency plan and visible leadership.

Research into alternative water sources will only be discussed in March. In the meantime, families and businesses have to rely on water tankers that operate without a fixed schedule. 

“The Municipality claims there is no money for additional water tankers, even though the Council recently increased the 2025/2026 operational revenue budget from R3,3359 billion to R3,410 billion,” said Nel-Buitendag, “This raises serious questions about priorities.” 

Residents deserve solutions, not excuses and racial slurs. A clear water supply schedule should be disseminated to the public, while both the Municipality and Rand Water should ensure transparent communication.

Planning for alternative water sources should urgently be expedited, while accountability is ensured so residents are no longer left high and dry.