The Civic Association for Democracy and Equality (CADE), a newly formed coalition of over thirty civic groups across Gauteng, today calls for the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to declare an emergency in response to the escalating water crisis. CADE expressed outrage over the city’s aggressive drive to eliminate so-called “illegal connections” in informal settlements, highlighting that the real crisis stems from years of mismanagement, underinvestment, and infrastructure neglect.
What’s New:
CADE’s statement introduces a bold and unprecedented demand for a National Declaration of Disaster to address the water crisis in Johannesburg and across Gauteng. The coalition is also calling for the 2026 local government elections to be brought forward to 2025, arguing that only fresh political and administrative leadership can steer the city out of its current turmoil.
Upcoming Protest Action:
CADE will be protesting outside the council meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday the 27th of February while councillors meet to discuss the city’s budget. The demonstration aims to highlight the urgent need for a budget that prioritizes equitable water access and infrastructure repair. Additionally, CADE is in active discussions with other formations across the city and the wider province to determine the best timing for a larger Day of Action, demonstrating widespread support for systemic change and accountability.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Severe Water Shortages: Persistent throttling of township water supply and extended cutoffs in suburbs due to an inability to meet demand. Infrastructure Failures: Over 35% of Johannesburg’s potable water is lost to leaks, exacerbated by a R15 billion underspend in municipal budgets over the past decade. Systemic Mismanagement: The establishment of Johannesburg Water has led to treating water as a revenue-generating business, sidelining its status as a basic human right.
CADE’s Demands:- Immediate Emergency Consultations: CoJ and provincial metros must engage with representative civic bodies to formulate an equitable water supply plan.
Financial Mobilization: All government layers must convene to secure the necessary funds to repair leaks and provide water to all in need. Water as a Public Good: Maintain the Free Basic Water Allocation for all residents, ensuring water remains a public service, not a commercial product.
- Governance Overhaul: End the quasi-autonomy of service agencies, enforce accountability through civic co-management, and insource all services to eliminate
corruption.
A Call for Accountability:
“The system of local governance is broken,” said a CADE spokesperson. “Fixing it requires a meaningful system of accountability, with democratic control and management of water services. The working poor must not bear the brunt of a crisis caused by government failures.”
