Residents in Johannesburg are raising alarm over worsening water shortages, with growing claims that criminal gangs are exploiting the crisis for profit. In suburbs like Greenside, frustrated residents have taken to the streets, chanting for access to clean water after weeks — and in some cases months — without supply.
Many say the situation has become unbearable. Locals report dry taps, rising health risks, and a daily struggle to access basic necessities. “We are reduced to begging for water,” said one long-time resident, highlighting the deep frustration among communities.
The crisis extends beyond Johannesburg. In Hammanskraal, residents have faced unreliable water access for over a decade. Authorities have relied on water tankers to supply communities, but allegations have emerged that so-called “water mafias” are manipulating the system.
Experts, including water activist Ferrial Adam, say some contractors intentionally damage infrastructure or prolong outages to maintain lucrative tanker contracts. Others are accused of illegally charging residents for water that should be free.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously called for action against such criminal networks, but critics argue that enforcement has been weak. Meanwhile, ageing infrastructure and years of underinvestment remain the root causes of the crisis.
With millions affected, the government has proposed a National Water Crisis Committee and warned that officials who fail in their duties could face criminal charges. However, for many residents, solutions cannot come soon enough as daily life becomes increasingly difficult without reliable access to clean water.
