Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Location: Outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers
Johannesburg residents, community organisations, and civil society groups will hold a peaceful protest on Saturday, 1 November 2025, outside the Johannesburg Council Chambers to demand urgent action on the city’s worsening water crisis.
Non-political movement:
Organisers have called on participants to refrain from wearing political party regalia to maintain a citizen-led, non-partisan show of unity focused on accountability and the constitutional right to water.
Key demands:
In a letter to Mayor Dada Morero, the coalition calls for:
- The ringfencing of water funds to prevent misuse.
- Full accountability for the R4 billion withdrawn from Johannesburg Water.
- Implementation of the City’s Water Turnaround Strategy.
- An investigation into water tanker contracts; and
- Equitable access to clean, piped water for all residents.
A human rights emergency:
Communities have described Johannesburg’s ongoing water shortages as both a human rights and economic emergency, with hospitals, schools, and small businesses struggling to operate without reliable access to safe, clean water.
END
Issued by:
Abahlali Freedom Park
Abahlali Base Zola
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
CADE
Climate Justice Coalition
Defend our Democracy
JoburgCAN
Joburg Crisis Alliance
Professionals and Business for Change
PSA
Region F Civil Society Partnership
Rivonia Circle
Water Crisis Committee
WaterCAN
Xtinction Rebellion
YBRRA
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr Jonathan Erasmus
Communications Manager
WaterCAN
073-227-6075
Ms Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
083-278-8832