AfriForum urges alternative solutions to Joburg water crisis

Lobby group AfriForum says Johannesburg’s ongoing water crisis highlights what it describes as the failure of the current municipal service delivery model.

The organisation says the city’s consideration of private sector involvement amounts to an admission that the existing system is not working.

AfriForum argues that residents should not be held hostage by municipal monopolies when sustainable alternatives are available.

The group is calling for greater involvement of private and community-based institutions in delivering essential services. [LISTEN] AfriForum says Johannesburg’s water crisis shows the municipal service delivery model is failing residents https://t.co/bmxSRHDTZ8 #SABCNews #FirstTakeSA https://t.co/jbUfun9hZC — SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) October 14, 2026 AfriForum Manager of Environmental Affairs Lambert de Klerk says existing legislation allows private and community-based organisations to assist municipalities in delivering services.

“The biggest obstacle is not necessarily the law, but the willingness to implement alternatives.

The Municipal Systems Act already provides for private and community-based organisations to deliver municipal services or assist municipalities in delivering these services.

There are procurement consultations and regulatory requirements, but these should be used to enable solutions, not unnecessarily delay them.” RELATED VIDEO | Water Focus | Water shortage woes continue to persist in Johannesburg