Millions of South Africans still do not have access to clean, safe water. A new report has revealed how corruption, poor planning, and weak infrastructure are making the problem worse. Many people must now pay high prices or travel far just to get water for daily use.
The Water Justice Report, released by Brot für die Welt, the Legal Resources Centre, and the Human Rights Media Trust, highlights how billions meant for water supply were stolen or wasted. It is based on findings from the State Capture Commission and backed by the European Union.
Poor Infrastructure and Mismanagement to Blame
The report warns that the country’s water systems are falling apart. One of the biggest problems is lack of maintenance. Pipes break, pumps fail, and old systems are not fixed.
Corruption in tenders also makes it worse. Some companies get contracts because of political connections, not because they can do the job well. In many cases, the work is not done properly, or the costs are inflated to benefit a few people.
According to the report, unsafe water and limited supply are common, especially in rural areas. Some communities go days without water, and when tankers arrive, the water is often not treated. This leads to health risks, including disease outbreaks.
Water Tanker Mafias and Sabotage
The SA Human Rights Commission recently raised concern about criminal groups known as water tanker mafias. These groups damage public water infrastructure on purpose to create a crisis. Once there is no access to piped water, they step in with their tankers and sell water to the public at high prices.
In a policy brief, the SAHRC called on law enforcement to take strong action. They said the state must stop the systemic sabotage of water infrastructure and hold the guilty accountable. These crimes do not just hurt communities; they also waste public money.
Water is a Right, but Many Are Still Waiting
South Africa’s Constitution says every person has the right to sufficient and safe water. But this right means little when pipes leak, tenders are stolen, and communities are ignored.
The Water Justice Report suggests people should take action. This means speaking up, taking legal steps, or protesting. It helps make sure the government treats everyone fairly.
Clean water is not just for drinking. It is also needed for washing, cooking, and staying healthy. Without it, hygiene becomes hard, and diseases spread faster.
The Way Forward: Fixing the Problem
The report suggests that the only long-term solution is proper maintenance and fair use of funds. The government must spend money wisely and make sure it is used for real repairs, not short-term fixes.
Tenders should be transparent, and infrastructure must be replaced when needed. The report warns that if the government keeps delaying action, the system will reach a point where it cannot be repaired at all.
It also warns about using water tankers as a long-term fix. These are meant to be temporary. But in many places like Tshwane, tankers have become the main supply, which is not sustainable.
Communities need working water systems, not broken promises. The country needs strong leadership, better management, and a clear plan to protect this basic human right.
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
