Taps run dry across Johannesburg as Joburg Water urges saving
Joburg Water told residents to use water sparingly. It blames the shortage largely on higher use during a heatwave, and tankers now supply areas including Naturena, Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley and Turffontein.
Taps are dry in most parts of Johannesburg. Joburg Water said the shortage is largely due to the heatwave that has hit the country.
Separately, deputy president Paul Mashatile is expected to visit Bronkhorstspruit after an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness linked to water.
In Ivory Park, Midrand, residents of the Mbona Section say they will not vote in the local government elections. They say they have waited 10 years for houses promised in a 2016 development, when 24 residents were allocated stands.
Resident Zolisile Sotsu, 63, said: "If we vote, what is it that we are voting for? For the rich to be richer while we continue to suffer more than 30 years later?"
Key facts
- Who
- Paul Mashatile (deputy president); Pemmy Majodina (water and sanitation minister); David Mahlobo (deputy water and sanitation minister); Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng premier)
- What
- Johannesburg taps are running dry in most parts of the city, and tankers are supplying areas including Naturena, Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley and Turffontein. Separately, deputy president Paul Mashatile is expected to visit Bronkhorstspruit after a water-linked gastrointestinal illness outbreak, and Ivory Park residents say they will not vote in local elections over unfulfilled housing promises.
- When
- 26 October 2026
- Where
- Johannesburg, Naturena, Bertrams
- Status
- Reported