Helen Zille's Water Claims for Johannesburg Face Scrutiny

Johannesburg, South Africa – Helen Zille, Federal Council Chair of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and mayoral candidate for Johannesburg in the 2026 local government elections, has faced scrutiny over claims she made regarding the city's water infrastructure and management. While some of her assertions were factually accurate, others have been challenged, raising questions about the DA's platform on service delivery in the crucial economic hub.

Accuracy and Inaccuracies in Zille's Statements

Zille's remarks, delivered upon accepting her nomination, focused on the critical role of local government in providing basic services, particularly water. Africa Check, a non-profit fact-checking organization, analyzed her claims, confirming the accuracy of two key points. The City of Johannesburg replaced approximately 17 kilometers of water pipes in the 2023/24 fiscal year. Furthermore, the city's water losses exceed 46%, a figure described by water management experts as significantly above international benchmarks.

However, Zille's comparison of Johannesburg's performance to that of the DA-led City of Cape Town was found to be inaccurate. The claim that Cape Town has consistently replaced over 200 kilometers of water pipes annually since 2006 is false. Additionally, her assertion that Johannesburg spends less on water system maintenance than any other city in South Africa and her ranking of Cape Town's international water wastage performance were also incorrect.

Context: South Africa's Water Crisis

South Africa faces a multifaceted water crisis, characterized by aging infrastructure, increasing demand from a growing population, and the impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts. This crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities and threatens economic stability. The high levels of water loss, often due to leaks and illegal connections, exacerbate the problem. Addressing this crisis requires significant investment in infrastructure upgrades, improved water management practices, and effective governance.

Historical Underinvestment and Current Challenges

"The legacy of apartheid-era spatial planning and underinvestment in infrastructure in historically disadvantaged communities continues to impact water access and quality," explains Dr. Imraan Valodia, an economist specializing in urban development at the University of the Witwatersrand. "Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach that includes not only infrastructure upgrades but also social and economic interventions to address inequality and promote sustainable water use."

Expert Perspective on Water Loss

The high levels of water loss in Johannesburg are a major concern. According to Dr. Susan Taljaard, a water resource management specialist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), "Non-revenue water, which includes physical losses from leaks and commercial losses from theft and inaccurate metering, represents a significant drain on resources and undermines the financial viability of water utilities. Reducing these losses requires a combination of technological solutions, such as leak detection and repair programs, and institutional reforms to improve governance and accountability."

International Benchmarks

International benchmarks for non-revenue water typically range from 15% to 20%. Johannesburg's loss of over 46% highlights the urgent need for intervention. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo, which have invested heavily in water infrastructure and management, have achieved significantly lower levels of water loss.

Implications for the 2026 Elections

The debate surrounding Zille's claims underscores the importance of accurate information in political discourse, particularly regarding critical issues such as service delivery. As Johannesburg prepares for the 2026 local government elections, water management will undoubtedly be a key battleground. The DA's platform will be closely scrutinized, and the party will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing the city and a credible plan for addressing them. Voters will need to carefully evaluate the promises made by all political parties and hold them accountable for delivering on their commitments.

Moving Forward: A Call for Transparency and Action

Addressing Johannesburg's water crisis requires a collaborative effort involving government, civil society, and the private sector. Transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that resources are used effectively and that progress is made towards achieving sustainable water security. Investing in infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and strengthening governance are crucial steps towards building a more resilient and equitable future for all residents of Johannesburg.