SONA takes a back seat as Ramaphosa deploys ministers to confront Joburg water emergency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly instructed Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to urgently address Johannesburg’s water crisis instead of attending the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ramaphosa will deliver the annual address at Cape Town City Hall, at 7.pm.

The two ministers will not attend the annual address, as Ramaphosa is said to consider the water crisis a higher priority.

Ntshavheni said Ramaphosa will announce measures to address ongoing water shortages in three Gauteng metros during his address on Thursday evening.

SONA officially opens Parliament and provides the president with a national platform to outline government’s priorities for the year ahead.

Speaking to the media outside City Hall, Ntshavheni said the water crisis would be a key focus of the address.

“We are faced with challenges. He will cover the issues around water shortages that have taken centre stage, particularly in Johannesburg, as well as in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni,” she said.

Residents in parts of Gauteng have taken to the streets in protest over persistent water disruptions. 

In Johannesburg, the crisis has escalated, prompting Ramaphosa to dispatch Majodina, Hlabisa,  to intervene on the matter.

Johannesburg has experienced recurring water supply shortages for years, with the situation worsening in recent months. 

Residents in townships and informal settlements have gone without water for days at a time, while small businesses have been forced to dig into already strained budgets to remain operational.

She said the problem extended beyond Gauteng and would be addressed, including efforts to strengthen local government capacity.

“This issue has been part of the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 reforms, including strengthening local government capacity so that municipalities are able to deliver services.”

“The majority of the challenges we are facing are due to a lack of capacity at the local government level. The president will make announcements regarding interventions,” she said.

Ramaphosa is also expected to focus on the economy.

“He will talk about economic growth, the progress made so far in improving the economy and tackling unemployment, and additional measures to ensure we reach the 3% growth target set for the end of this administration,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that Ramaphosa would address inequality and the high cost of living, outlining further measures to support households.

Crime and the findings of the Madlanga Commission will also feature in the address.

“Crime has been one of the major issues in our country. The president has received the interim report of the Madlanga Commission and has already announced certain measures.”

“He will announce further steps on implementing the recommendations and strengthening the criminal justice system to combat organised crime that is holding the country back,” Ntshavheni said.

The commission was established last year following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, the commission submitted its interim report to the president on December 17, 2025, in line with agreed timelines.

The report made several referrals for urgent investigation by law enforcement agencies, including criminal probes. 

It also recommended disciplinary action in some cases against individuals alleged to have been involved in corruption and other criminal acts.

Among those referred are South African Police Service officials Major General Lesetja Senona, Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

The commission also found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing involving several current and former officials of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, including suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) chief Julius Mkhwanazi; EMPD officers Bafana Twala, Aiden McKenzie and Kershia Leigh Stols; former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi; fleet manager or proxy Chris Steyn; head of human resources Linda Gxasheka; head of legal services Adv Kemi Behari; and Etienne van der Walt.

The Madlanga Commission has welcomed Ramaphosa’s urgent directives to establish a special police task team and fast-track criminal investigations into senior law enforcement officers and municipal officials implicated in corruption and misconduct.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels previously said Ramaphosa ‘s response demonstrated political will and urgency, but stressed that the interim report does not constitute final findings.

“The commission has not made findings,” Michaels said. 

“The report contains recommendations based on prima facie evidence. Those implicated will be allowed to appear before the commission to respond to the allegations and present their version.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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