As Johannesburg endures one of the most pressing water crises in its history, the city’s residents are faced with the harsh realities of climate vulnerability, rapid urbanisation, and decades-old infrastructure under strain. Amid this uncertainty, Executive Mayor Dada Morero has stepped up to lead with urgency, integrity, and a clear plan of action. His leadership has not only steadied the city during turbulent times but has also redefined what responsible governance looks like in the face of adversity.
The causes of the current water crisis are multi-layered. A prolonged drought, linked to shifting climatic conditions, has reduced water availability, while Johannesburg’s growing population has further stretched an already fragile supply system. Compounding the problem is the city’s aging water infrastructure, much of which has not kept pace with demand or technological advancements. Years of underinvestment and inefficiencies, including high levels of water loss due to leaks, have brought the system to a breaking point.
Mayor Morero’s administration has responded not with panic, but with a structured and comprehensive water conservation and demand management plan. Infrastructure upgrades, long overdue, have been fast-tracked across the city, with special attention given to critical zones such as water reservoirs, pump stations, and distribution pipelines. Emergency maintenance teams have been mobilised to repair burst pipes and restore broken valves, while water pressure management systems are being improved to prevent further damage.
In tandem with these efforts, a city-wide leak detection and repair programme has been activated. Technicians are now working around the clock, moving from suburb to suburb, identifying and fixing both visible and underground leaks that have drained millions of litres of water daily. These actions are already beginning to show results, with improved water pressure in some of the most affected areas.
Equally vital has been the drive to educate and mobilise the public. Through a series of awareness campaigns on radio, social media, and community forums, residents have been encouraged to change their consumption habits and report leaks and illegal connections. These campaigns are not only informative but also empowering, building a sense of civic responsibility and shared ownership over water resources.
What sets Mayor Morero’s leadership apart is his commitment to equity and fairness. In a city still shaped by the legacies of spatial injustice, he has ensured that water distribution does not favour affluent areas at the expense of poorer communities. Working closely with Johannesburg Water, the administration is monitoring water usage patterns and adjusting distribution accordingly, prioritising schools, healthcare facilities, and vulnerable neighbourhoods. Water tankers have been deployed to informal settlements and underserved areas, ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or location, have access to this essential resource.
At the same time, the city has demonstrated sensitivity to the financial strain that water shortages place on residents and businesses. Under Mayor Morero’s directive, Johannesburg has introduced financial relief measures, including flexible payment plans for struggling households and water bill discounts for the elderly and low-income families. These interventions offer much-needed breathing room and underscore the administration’s understanding that the crisis is not only infrastructural but economic.
Transparency has become another hallmark of this administration’s approach. The mayor and his team have made it a priority to keep residents informed at every step — from daily water level updates to explanations of service disruptions and progress reports on repair works. Communication channels have been widened, with regular updates through press briefings, community dialogues, and digital platforms. This has helped to build public trust, a critical resource in any crisis response.
Crucially, Mayor Morero is not only managing the crisis of today — he is laying the groundwork for a more resilient tomorrow. Under his guidance, Johannesburg Water is investing in alternative water sources such as groundwater harvesting, rainwater collection systems, and wastewater recycling technologies. Conversations are also underway around long-term solutions like desalination and decentralised water supply schemes that would make the city less dependent on traditional bulk water sources. These forward-looking initiatives reflect a leader not content with short-term fixes but committed to safeguarding future generations.
In the final analysis, Mayor Dada Morero has proven himself to be a crisis leader who listens, learns, and leads with compassion and competence. He has recognised the complexity of the challenge and responded with the clarity it demands. Johannesburg is still in the throes of this crisis, but thanks to his steady hand and bold decisions, it is navigating the storm with renewed hope.
This moment should serve as a reminder to all levels of government that decisive action, community engagement, and visionary leadership can — even in the face of overwhelming odds — turn crisis into an opportunity for transformation.
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together!
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
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