Tensions remain high after Phumla Mqashi residents' protest over water
On Monday, the group marched to the Lenasia civic centre to air their frustration after Joburg water disconnected the community’s illegally connected pumps in November 2024.
Phumulamqashi residents outside Joburg Water offices in Ennerdale. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/ EWN.
JOHANNESBURG - Tensions are still high at the Phumla Mqashi community after the residents staged a protest demanding the restoration of water.
On Monday, the group marched to the Lenasia civic centre to air their frustration after Joburg water disconnected the community’s illegally connected pumps in November 2024.
Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowd, but group leader Alfred Mxuna has vowed the community would continue its protest action.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Water and Sanitation Minister, Mandla Mathebula, backed the utility’s move.
“The department and Minister [Pemmy] Majodina support the efforts by the city of Joburg and Mayor Dada Morero to deal with illegal connections as part of reducing non-revenue water and dealing with high water consumption.”
Meanwhile, Phumla Mqashi residents are accusing their ward councillor of being against them while demanding the reconnection of their illegally connected water.
Mxuna said their councillor, Puseletso Nzimande, misrepresented them to Joburg water, calling her an absent public figure.
“Councillor must attend community meetings once every month, it is her duty but she is not doing that, she is using taxpayers' money, every month she earns a salary for nothing.”