For a third consecutive day, residents of Magogeni in the Nkomazi Local Municipality have barricaded major roads in a desperate protest over a crippling water shortage that has plagued the community since the start of the year.
The ongoing service delivery protest, which has turned volatile, stems from the complete failure of water supply to the area. According to community members, their taps have run dry since January 2025, forcing them into an impossible choice: purchase water they can scarcely afford or risk their safety to collect it from a nearby dam.
“The water tankers do come in this area, but half the time they have to pay for the water,” said a reporter on the scene. “If they are not paying for the water, they have to walk down to go to this dam… which is not safe. I mean, it’s deep in the bushes.”
The protest has effectively shut down a main road linking Magogeni to neighbouring villages, severely disrupting travel and commerce. The situation escalated dramatically yesterday when a 19-year-old protester was allegedly shot by a local resident. The community is now demanding the arrest of the suspected shooter, adding a layer of tension to the existing grievances.
Nkomazi Local Municipality Mayor addressed the crowd earlier today, attempting to quell the anger. She reportedly cited ongoing legal disputes with a contractor as the core reason for the delay in completing a crucial water pipeline and treatment project intended to supply the area.
“The mayor spoke to them earlier this morning. However, community members say they will not open this road until the water is restored in their area,” the reporter confirmed from the protest site.
Despite the mayor’s assurances that she would use her power to ensure water is restored by the end of the day, residents remain steadfast. They have vowed to maintain the barricade until they see tangible results and action is taken regarding the alleged shooting.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on the municipality to resolve the contractual impasse and provide a permanent solution to the water crisis, while police are expected to address the community regarding the investigation into the violence.
