Water Woes Deepen as South Africa Prepares to Host G20

As the world’s economic leaders prepare to descend on South Africa for the G20 Summit, the country’s deepening water crisis threatens to overshadow its moment in the global spotlight. Across Gauteng, water supply issues are intensifying, and in places like Hammanskraal, desperation has reached a boiling point.

On Wednesday, angry Hammanskraal residents gathered outside the local water purification plant in protest. Their message was clear: fix the water crisis or face a community that refuses to stay silent. They demanded an audience with either the Mayor of Tshwane or the MMC for utility services. Neither official made an appearance, further fuelling frustrations.

This protest follows years of water shortages, contamination scares, and what residents say is an unbearable reliance on water tankers and makeshift boreholes. Some have now gone as far as to say that even contaminated tap water would be better than their current situation, where the only option is often unregulated water from unsafe sources.

The City of Tshwane has acknowledged the crisis, citing a breakdown in infrastructure and a contaminated water system as the root causes. Officials were on the ground this week attempting to address resident concerns. But many believe these are temporary measures that fail to deal with the long-term problem: a lack of sustainable and safe water supply.

Across Gauteng, the picture is just as grim. Multiple municipalities are under pressure from ageing infrastructure, erratic water pressure, and reservoirs running dry. In Johannesburg, Rand Water has had to implement restrictions due to high demand and low reserves. Areas like Soweto, Roodepoort, and the West Rand are experiencing intermittent supply, with residents often going days without running water.

Taps are running dry in parts of Ekurhuleni and the Vaal as well. The situation in Sedibeng is especially concerning, where water contamination has left thousands dependent on costly water tanks and filtered supplies. Even Pretoria East, once known for its stable infrastructure, has recently seen unscheduled outages and supply reductions.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has repeatedly promised reforms and funding for infrastructure renewal, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, climate change, urban population growth, and poor maintenance have combined to worsen the crisis.

As South Africa welcomes global dignitaries and economic powerhouses for the G20, the contrast between international prestige and domestic neglect is becoming stark. Experts say the country risks embarrassment if the current water crisis is not urgently addressed.

Images of parched communities relying on water trucks while world leaders sip bottled water in air-conditioned conference centres could damage South Africa’s global reputation.

“There is no dignity in queuing for water every day,” said Sarah Moeketsi, a Hammanskraal resident who attended Wednesday’s protest. “We are tired of empty promises. If the G20 delegates were coming to my house, maybe they would finally fix this.”

Civil society groups are now warning of possible nationwide protests if no permanent solutions are found. Activists are calling for a transparent action plan with realistic timelines and community consultation. Many believe this is the only way to restore faith in local governance.

As South Africa takes centre stage at the G20, the pressure is not just on its political leadership to impress foreign investors and heads of state. The pressure is also on to prove that the government can deliver the most basic of human rights to its people — clean, safe, and reliable water.

For now, the people of Hammanskraal and other affected areas remain in limbo, hoping that their cries for help are heard not just by the world, but by those elected to serve them.