The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality calls on the Mayor, Municipal Manager, and Director of Engineering to engage with the public in an open meeting to address the ongoing water crisis affecting communities across the municipality. We demand that they outline concrete steps, including Infrastructure augmentation and rehabilitation, and measures to reduce water loss, misuse, and theft
We further insist on responsiveness, urgency, transparency, regular communication, and accountability from municipal leadership.
The ongoing water shortages in Tzaneen have placed an unbearable strain on residents, severely disrupting daily life and worsening an already dire situation. While scheduled water shedding from 21:00 to 04:00 is inconvenient, many areas experience continuous water scarcity, leaving households without access to this essential resource.
The crisis has particularly affected the most vulnerable members of the community. Mothers with infants struggle to prepare formula due to a lack of water at night. Elderly residents who cannot carry heavy containers are left without access to water. Workers leaving before dawn and returning late at night cannot meet basic hygiene needs. Children participating in sports are unable to shower after practice. These daily struggles underscore the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for intervention.
Despite these challenges, I have been actively working on the ground, engaging with residents, and advocating for urgent interventions. However, advocacy alone is not enough—the municipality must now act decisively.
Tzaneen’s outdated water infrastructure is incapable of meeting the growing demand. Persistent leaks result in the loss of millions of litres of water, while illegal diversions by water tankers continue unchecked. Instead of addressing these critical issues, the municipality prioritises new developments without ensuring that existing infrastructure can support them. This failure to implement sustainable solutions and enforce accountability is unacceptable.
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to holding the municipality accountable and ensuring that residents receive the basic services they deserve.
Water is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right.