Rising protests force Panyaza Lesufi to call emergency meeting
Municipal Service Issues
Angry residents barricaded roads with burning tyres and debris, then took to the streets early hours of this morning in protest of lack of running water.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been compelled to convene an urgent meeting with all executive mayors in the province as protests over service delivery spiral out of control.
The unrest, fuelled by widespread frustrations over crippling water shortages and persistent electricity disruptions, has reached a boiling point in several townships.
In a bid to tackle this escalating crisis, Lesufi aims to forge coordinated strategies that address the root causes of the unrest.
Speaking to IOL at the Global Governance Space seminar in Johannesburg, Lesufi apologised to residents affected by the turmoil, reaffirming the government's commitment to swiftly resolving these pressing issues. “This unfortunate turn of events is regretted.
“The reality is that our people are raising genuine issues, and we also acknowledge that many are unemployed and therefore unable to pay for some services, which puts pressure on municipalities to provide free and adequate services,” he said.
He assured that the voices of protesting communities have been heard, especially regarding the water supply interruptions.
“The matter of water has been brought to our attention, and we have engaged senior officials to address it,” he stated.
“Our communities don’t have to be on the street for their issues to be taken seriously. We have been working on these matters and continue to make strides to resolve them.”
Premier Panyaza Lesufi apologised to residents affected by the turmoil, reaffirming the government's commitment to swiftly resolving these pressing issues.
Image: Gauteng Provincial Government
However, Lesufi acknowledged that challenges such as illegal water and electricity connections, population influx, and crime complicate service delivery efforts.
“Unfortunately, some services are disrupted by illegal connections, the increasing influx into the city, and other elements of crime that the City is actively addressing.”
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero also addressed the causes of the protests, pointing to infrastructure failures as a key factor.
“In areas where protests erupted, issues such as transformers blowing up and electrical failures have frustrated communities,” Morero explained.
“City Power is working towards full reconnection in affected areas. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.”
On water service challenges, Morero said, “In the north of Johannesburg, there have been water shortages, but the city is working hard to rebuild aging infrastructure and ensure it operates as required.”
Protests have flared across multiple townships, including Westbury, Coronationville, Tembisa, Tsakane, and Vlaskfontein.
Residents have voiced frustration over water shutdowns and blocked major roads with stones and debris.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department spokesperson Joy Mdluli noted that the situation has calmed, while traffic disruptions initially impacted the East Rand.
“The traffic is now flowing freely,” Mdluli confirmed, adding that protesters are currently waiting to be addressed by their leaders.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za