It may be Julius Malema’s birthday but the EFF isn’t taking the day off! The party took to the streets of Johannesburg to protest against severe water shortages in the capital.
The region is facing infrastructure challenges which have persisted for several years and led to significant disruptions in water availability for local residents.
EFF spirit not dampened by rain
The EFF has turned its focus on the water crisis in Gauteng with a protest at Joburg Water on Monday.
Despite being faced with rain, the party was determined to protest sharing a clip of the large crowd braving the weather. The post read:
“No rain will stop us. We demand water NOW! We are clear on our mandate that 2025 is Year Of The Picket Lines!”
The South African spoke to EFF member Carl Niehaus, who highlighted the party’s involvement is simple:
“The EFF is very clear, water is a human right!” Niehaus told Samantha Riddle for The South African.
Niehaus highlighted that the issue is compounded by upper class markets allegedly being favoured for resources over impoverished areas. Old infrastructure and mismanagement were highlighted as key contributing factors.
Niehaus says that the protest taking place on Malema’s birthday served as a reaffirmation of his leadership in the EFF. Malema is credited as the inspiration behind the Year of the Picket lines initiative by Niehaus, who confirmed all protests will be focused on service delivery.
Water crisis petition delivered to City of Joburg
Certainly, the situation has been highlighted as a serious issue by WaterCAN, an Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse initiative.
The community initiative has delivered a water infrastructure budget petition to the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg. This comes in a bid to get urgent funding allocated to resolve water shortages. Interestingly, over 3500 citizens signed the petition.
“The real issue is our crumbling infrastructure, which urgently needs repairs and replacement. Blaming demand is a weak excuse when people have had no water for days. The city must address leaks instead of relying on ineffective short-term solutions like water tankers,” says Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager of WaterCAN.
WaterCAN calls for transparency amid crisis
A large part of the problem, according to WaterCAN, is a lack of transparency and meaningful solutions in the government.
“The situation is worsened by the lack of transparency and accountability from Joburg Water, City officials and bulk water supplier Rand Water. Despite mounting frustration, neither the mayor nor city leaders have provided meaningful responses or solutions.”
Have you been affected by the water crisis in Johannesburg?
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