13.02.2026 23:43
South Africa's financial and business hub, Johannesburg, is facing one of the most serious water crises in its history. Water outages lasting 27 days across the city have led to the closure of hotels and restaurants, as well as protests in the suburbs. Ahead of the upcoming local elections, the crisis is shaking both daily life and politics.
South Africa's largest city and one of the continent's major financial centers, Johannesburg, is facing a serious crisis due to weeks of water shortages. Hotels and restaurants in the city have started to close their doors, citing the inability to maintain hygiene conditions.
NO WATER FOR 27 DAYS
According to a report by state television SABC, the water shortages that have persisted for 27 days in most of the city center and suburbs have brought daily life to a standstill. The lack of access to water has particularly impacted the food and beverage and accommodation sectors.
Residents in many suburbs, including Westdene, Melville, and Brixton, are organizing protests demanding a solution to the water crisis. City residents want authorities to produce a permanent solution to the problem.
PREPARING TO SUE THE MUNICIPALITY FROM DA
The growing water crisis ahead of the local elections planned for November has also ignited political debates. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in Parliament and the coalition government, announced that it is preparing to take the Johannesburg Municipality to court.
DA argued that the crisis has worsened due to high demand, multiple system failures, and an unauthorized strike at the Johannesburg Water Administration. The statement also claimed that some suppliers providing water to the city by tanker have profited unfairly from the crisis.
POLITICAL PRESSURE INCREASES BEFORE ELECTIONS
The mayoral seat of the metropolis, which has a population of approximately 6.5 million, is held by Dada Morero from the African National Congress (ANC), the country's largest party.
In addition to the water crisis, Johannesburg is also facing a serious waste collection problem, and it is expected to witness intense political rivalries in the upcoming local elections.