The Department of Water and Sanitation has initiated a major structural intervention to tackle the chronic water crisis in Emfuleni. On Friday, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo launched a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a new agreement between Rand Water Services and the Emfuleni Local Municipality....Click to Read More >>➤

Mahlobo stressed that this is a fundamental reform, not a short-term financial bailout. He described the SPV as a pivotal moment for the struggling municipality.

“Let me be clear: this SPV is not a bailout. It is not a temporary fix,” Mahlobo stated. “It is a structural, systemic, and forward-looking reform that places Emfuleni on a path towards stability, sustainability, and growth.”

The severity of the water crisis in Emfuleni has left residents facing immense hardship. The deputy minister acknowledged the community’s struggles with dry taps, failing sanitation, and polluted rivers.

“For far too long, the people of Emfuleni have carried the heavy weight of systemic failures,” Mahlobo said. He added that the current situation is not what residents deserve.

Systemic Collapse in Emfuleni

The municipality’s operational failures are profound. Non-revenue water—water that is lost and not paid for—has reached a critical 75%. Revenue collection systems have completely broken down.

Infrastructure is failing everywhere. Municipal debt has skyrocketed. These cascading problems have tested the patience of residents who have endured the ongoing water crisis.

Mahlobo placed the local emergency within South Africa’s broader national water security concerns. He noted the country is one of the world’s most water-scarce nations.

Climate change, population growth, and aging infrastructure are intensifying vulnerabilities. Severe local deficits have already hit cities like Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town.

Gauteng is also experiencing strains. National data reveals a troubling trend. Seventy-three percent of Water Services Authorities scored poorly or critically in assessments.

Drinking water safety is declining. Wastewater treatment failures continue to contaminate vital rivers.

A New Institutional Model for Water Services

The deputy minister admitted the current model for water services in many municipalities is broken. Existing legislation has hindered previous intervention attempts.

“Fragmented accountability, financial mismanagement, and chronic underinvestment have created a cycle of decay,” he stated.

The new SPV for the water crisis in Emfuleni is designed as a sustainable solution. It aims to bridge the gap caused by service delivery failures and legislative hurdles.

Mahlobo said the SPV will establish a fully ring-fenced, professional water services provider. It promises effective revenue collection and reinvestment into the system.

The model includes a modern, technically sound management system. It creates clear lines of responsibility. This provides a practical pathway to restore dignity for Emfuleni residents.

This new approach aligns with the Water Services Amendment Bill and Operation Vulindlela Phase 2. These reforms require the separation of Water Services Authorities and Providers.

The initiative has the backing of National Treasury, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and local leadership.

A Collective Responsibility and a Call to Action

Mahlobo emphasized that while the government builds systems, communities must help sustain them. He directly addressed the people of Emfuleni.

“To the people of Emfuleni: This is your victory. Your voices, your frustrations, your resilience brought us to this moment,” he said. “But partnership must continue.”

He called on residents to protect infrastructure and report illegal connections. He urged responsible water use and cooperation with ground teams.

The deputy minister also appealed to labour, industry, NGOs, and faith communities. He described water security as a collective responsibility and an ethical obligation.

Mahlobo had a special message for the youth. “To the youth of Emfuleni: This is your inheritance,” he said.

He called on young people to enter fields like engineering and environmental science. He encouraged them to become the next generation of “water warriors” to prevent future indignities. ...Click to Read More >>➤