Joburg residents could pay 66% more before even opening a tap

Johannesburg households may soon face a massive hike in water charges, with the city proposing a 65.6% increase to its monthly water demand management levy from July 2026. The fee charged regardless of how much water residents use could jump from just over R65 to nearly R108 a month as Joburg Water battles ageing infrastructure and ongoing supply problems. Phemelo speaks to WaterCan Executive Director Ferrial Adam about the proposed increase and what it means for struggling residents.