Zille promises to fix Johannesburg finances and billing
DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille says Johannesburg is owed R81 billion but owes its creditors R25 billion. She also wants to ring-fence at least 70% of water revenue, so the money is spent on water services.
Zille spoke on 702 about her plan for Johannesburg. She said it includes a financial recovery plan, action against corruption and an overhaul of the billing system. She said corruption and the alleged diversion of municipal revenue add to the city's money problems.
On water revenue, Zille said: "We won't ring-fence the whole amount, but it'll be substantially ring-fenced to at least 70% of the money that comes in for water". She said Johannesburg's billing system is a major problem, and some residents struggle with bills they believe are wrong.
Zille said Johannesburg Water began a borehole project but dropped it after about two weeks. She said residents of one community went without water for 15 years. She also said a completed water project cost R2.6 million, while the city proposed R37 million for taps and manifolds alone.
Zille said Cape Town plans to spend R42 billion of its own money on infrastructure over the next three years. She also said coalitions tie a party's hands and can become unstable when smaller parties can bring down a government.
Key facts
- Who
- Helen Zille (DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate); Johannesburg Water (municipal water entity whose borehole project was abandoned after about two…)
- What
- Speaking to 702, Helen Zille outlined her proposed turnaround strategy for Johannesburg, including a financial recovery plan, action against corruption, ring-fencing of water revenue and a billing system overhaul.
- When
- 21 October 2026
- Where
- Johannesburg, Cape Town
- Status
- Reported