The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) is deeply concerned by reports that lives were lost and property destroyed during a water-related protest action in Ratanda, Heidelberg within the jurisdiction of Lesedi Local Municipality.

According to reports, the protest action in Lesedi Local Municipality was sparked by residents’ frustration in not having water for over two weeks. The lack of water supply was occasioned by Rand Water’s reduction in water supply to the municipality due to the failure of the municipality to settle a R27 million debt to Rand Water. The Commission has long been concerned by the ballooning debt owed by municipalities to water boards, which is estimated to be around R28 billion nationally. This debt stifles the operational ability of water boards and threatens their financial viability. However, the Commission is also concerned that debt enforcement measures, such as the implementation of water supply reduction on municipalities has a dire and direct impact on the right to water for households, particularly those in high-lying areas.

The Commission therefore calls for a human rights centric approach in dealing with the debt owed by municipalities to water boards. This approach recognises that water is a constitutional and fundamental human right and any disruption in its supply has dire consequences for households, schools, clinics and many other vulnerable sectors of the society. In that regard, municipalities must adhere to their payment obligations to water boards and avoid a situation where water boards are compelled to reduce water supply to municipalities resulting in catastrophic consequences for residents and households. The Commission further reminds organs of state that they have a constitutional duty to collaborate with each other in mutual trust and good faith to secure the well-being of the people of South Africa. Therefore, water boards should ensure that whatever action they take does not infringe the rights and well-being of the people of South Africa.

The Commission will continue to monitor this matter and has through its Gauteng Provincial Office requested a written response from the Lesedi Local Municipality’s Municipal Manager addressing, amongst other things: the reasons for water outages and restrictions; measures taken to settle the outstanding debt; the anticipated timeframe for resolving the water outages and restrictions; and the Municipality's contingency measures to ensure residents have access to sufficient water during periods of interruption, including the provision of water tankers and communication with affected communities. The written response from the Municipality is due by close of business today. The Commission will also be meeting with the Lesedi Local Municipality on Friday, 11 July 2026 to further discuss this matter.