DA Says Mayor is “Unfit to Lead” After R4 Billion Joburg Water Cut
By Loxion News Staff Writer
JOHANNESBURG – Political tensions are boiling over as Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero faces fierce criticism for his handling of the city’s ongoing water crisis.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Morero of having no credible plan to resolve widespread water outages, warning that the situation will worsen unless urgent intervention takes place.
“This administration has failed. Dada Morero’s refusal to ring-fence funds for Joburg Water is disqualifying – he is unfit to be Mayor,” said DA spokesperson on Water & Sanitation, Stephen Moore MP, in a hard-hitting statement following Morero’s appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Water & Sanitation.
Key Issues in Joburg’s Water Crisis
- R4 Billion Defunded: Joburg Water was stripped of R4 billion in funding, halting crucial maintenance and repair projects.
- No Ring-Fencing of Funds: Morero refused to guarantee that Joburg Water would receive protected funding to fix the crisis.
- Broken Promises: Morero’s earlier pledge to restore water within 7 days has not materialized, leaving taps dry in multiple suburbs.
- Insufficient Budget: The DA warns that the city’s current allocation is too small to resolve the problem.
DA’s Call for Intervention
Moore warned that the Minister of Water & Sanitation risks being complicit if she fails to intervene and hold the city accountable.
“Johannesburg needs experienced, hands-on leadership — not an executive that sits on its hands while residents suffer,” Moore said.
The DA is calling for an immediate change of leadership, arguing that without a new administration, Joburg residents will remain trapped in a cycle of water cuts, failing infrastructure, and poor governance.
Impact on Residents
Communities across Johannesburg have been left without reliable water supply for weeks, sparking frustration and protests. Many households and businesses have been forced to rely on expensive water tankers and private boreholes, adding financial pressure at a time when the cost of living is already high.
Political Stakes
The crisis has become a key election issue, with opposition parties framing it as evidence of poor governance under the ANC-led administration. Analysts warn that water security could be a deciding factor in next year’s local government elections.
