The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener

This episode provides live coverage of the South African local government elections, featuring political figures casting their ballots and discussions on voter turnout trends. The coverage contrasts optimistic voting scenes in Sandton and Limpopo with reports of disillusionment in Bronkhorstspruit and Inanda due to ongoing service delivery failures. The program also explores the CSIR's election prediction models, the financial implications of a new wage deal for Johannesburg municipal workers, and an analysis of recent US election results regarding their impact on South Africa-US relations.

An analysis of the recent United States election results, where Democrats secured majorities in both the Senate and the House. The discussion explores the implications of this victory for international relations, specifically focusing on how the shift in U.S. political leadership affects the relationship between the United States and South Africa. Professor John Stremlau provides insights into the potential for increased cooperation between these two democracies and discusses the significance of President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming engagement with Silicon Valley.

This episode discusses the recent last-minute wage deal signed in the City of Johannesburg, affecting an estimated 35,000 municipal workers. The agreement involves a substantial payout estimated between 1.2 to 1.5 billion rand, raising questions regarding its timing and potential use as political leverage ahead of upcoming elections. Featuring Julia Fish, Executive Director for Joburg Can, the discussion explores the financial implications of increasing the wage bill from its current state. The conversation highlights concerns over municipal liquidity, the impact on essential services like JMPD fuel cards and reservoir repairs, and the tension between providing fair wages and maintaining sustainable city budgets.

An interview with Professor Pravesh Deva, a researcher and analyst at the CSIR, regarding the organization's election prediction model. The discussion covers the methodology of using voting district clusters to compare actual results against historical data patterns to forecast political party percentages. The conversation also addresses the timeline for releasing predictions during the current election cycle, noting that the timing depends heavily on how quickly voting districts are declared.

Reporter Lindsay Dentlinger provides coverage from the Western Cape as Cape Town Mayor and DA mayoral candidate Jordan Hill-Lewis casts his vote at Edgemead Primary School. The report examines the Democratic Alliance's position in the upcoming election, noting the party's historical decline in support since 2016 and the active efforts of rival parties like ActionSA and the EFF to challenge their dominance in the city. Hill-Lewis addresses criticisms regarding urban inequality and frames the election as a choice between moving forward or risking a slide backward. The coverage also notes the presence of other mayoral candidates, including James Manelani and representatives from the National Coloured Congress, amidst a competitive political landscape in Cape Town.

This report explores the impact of local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically focusing on the area of Inanda. The correspondent discusses how historical significance, such as Nelson Mandela's 1994 vote at Oshlange High School, contrasts with current disillusionment among voters regarding service delivery and political faith. The segment highlights a profound failure in basic services, illustrated by residents who are unable to participate in the democratic process due to the urgent need to collect water. The report underscores how issues like water scarcity and sewage seepage serve as an indictment of leadership and directly affect voter turnout.

This news report covers the local government elections in Limpopo, specifically focusing on EFF leader Julius Malema's visit to his birthplace, Seshebo. The coverage details the EFF's strategic ambitions to overtake the ANC in the Polokwane municipality by leveraging growing support in various local zones. The report also highlights critical community issues in the region, including severe water supply challenges caused by dilapidated infrastructure and the urgent need for job creation to combat rising crime rates.

Reporter Annalisa Fandese provides an on-the-ground report from various voting stations during the election. The coverage contrasts the atmosphere in Sandton, where ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba cast his vote amidst optimistic queues and a focus on democratic participation, with the situation in Bronkhorstspruit. In the latter region, low voter turnout is observed alongside visible service delivery challenges, such as residents queuing for water. The report highlights a significant divide between voters motivated by the desire for change and those experiencing disillusionment due to unmet immediate needs.

EWN reporter Hamoto Modise provides an on-the-ground report from Hyde Park following President Ramaphosa's vote in the local government elections. The report details the President's decision to vote in Hyde Park rather than his usual location in Soweto and covers his remarks regarding the state of Johannesburg. The President addresses the decay in local infrastructure, characterizing the current political climate as an opportunity for change through the democratic process. The coverage also touches upon the President's observations on voter turnout and his expressed commitment to improving local government performance. The report notes the presence of First Lady Dr. Tsepo Mosepe and the President's overall optimistic demeanor regarding the health of South African democracy.

This episode examines the multifaceted landscape of South Africa's local government elections, focusing on security preparations in KwaZulu-Natal and the critical role of independent election observers in ensuring transparency. The discussion also addresses concerns regarding declining voter turnout and the impact of service delivery failures, such as water outages caused by power failures at Rand Water pumping stations. Additionally, the episode explores the economic implications of the United States' decision to exclude South Africa from AGOA. Featuring insights from Agri-SA, the program details how the loss of trade benefits threatens key agricultural sectors, specifically highlighting the potential impact on exports like lychees.

EWN reporter Komoto Modise provides an on-the-ground report from the polling station regarding Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero's voting intentions and his response to the city's current service delivery crisis. The report covers Morero's confidence in the ANC's campaigning efforts despite ongoing issues with water shortages, refuse collection, and electricity. The discussion highlights the tension between the mayor's claims of progress and the lived reality of residents facing prolonged utility outages.

Rand Water spokesperson Makanosy Maru discusses the recent power outage in Ekurhuleni that interrupted pumping operations at the Mapleton booster pumping station. The incident has significantly reduced daily pumping capacity from 800 megalitres to 430 megalitres, affecting water supplies in areas such as Tshwane and various smaller municipalities including Victor Khanye and Embinisilehani. The discussion covers the current status of power restoration, the timeline for system recovery, and broader challenges regarding high water consumption levels across multiple municipalities. The impact on low-lying areas is highlighted as a primary concern during this period of reduced capacity.

Mbali Ntuli, CEO of the Groundwork Collective, discusses the vital role of independent election observers in ensuring free and fair elections in South Africa. The conversation covers the mechanics of how volunteers use technology to report real-time data regarding station openings and political campaigning without intervening in the process. The episode also addresses broader democratic challenges, including declining voter turnout trends from 2004 to recent local government elections. Ntuli highlights the importance of continuous civic education beyond election cycles and discusses the funding challenges faced by the IEC as a Chapter Nine institution.

An interview with Makhabo Ramatlodi, Assistant Manager for Civic and Democracy Education at the IEC, regarding the progress of special voting day. The discussion covers the status of ballot paper deliveries, including delays in the Western Cape that necessitated extended voting hours, and the operational readiness of electoral officials across 23,000 voting stations. The conversation also addresses technical preparedness for the main election day, specifically focusing on the functionality of ZipZip scanning devices and the implementation of a parallel manual system using hard copy voter rolls to ensure seamless voter identification and processing.

This episode examines the implications of the United States' intention to withdraw benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for South Africa. Featuring an interview with Johan Kotze, CEO of AgriSA, the discussion explores how the loss of preferential trade status affects specific agricultural sectors, such as the lychee industry, which relies heavily on the American market. The conversation covers the impact of increased tariffs, the necessity of diversifying export markets to countries like China and Taiwan, and the role of government negotiations in maintaining bilateral trade stability.

An interview with Mkoseli Mlingani, the MK Party provincial spokesperson, regarding the recent killing of a regional organizer in KwaZulu-Natal. The discussion covers the details surrounding the shooting of Comrade Lasbon Shaze at his home during an election period and the broader concerns regarding political violence and intolerance within the province. Mlingani addresses the party's reaction to the incident, their call for law enforcement investigations, and the ongoing efforts to promote political tolerance among members.

This report examines election preparedness and security measures in KwaZulu-Natal amidst rising concerns over political violence. Following the deaths of an Action SA candidate and an MK party organizer, the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner discusses the deployment of officers to high-risk voting stations across the province. The coverage includes details on identified high-risk areas, the neutrality required of law enforcement during the election period, and the ongoing efforts of crime intelligence to monitor potential threats and disruptions.

The Midday Report with Mandy Wiener covers a range of South African news, including the legal controversy involving a whistleblower ordered to pay 1.6 billion rand and updates on special voting processes for upcoming elections. The episode also explores security concerns in KwaZulu-Natal due to potential political violence and President Cyril Ramaphosa's campaign activities. The report further examines listener reactions to Jacob Zuma's recent speech, police readiness for the elections, and taxi industry violence in Cape Town. Additionally, the program features an interview with Cape Town Mayor Jordan Ehrenpreis Lewis on service delivery and a sports wrap-up covering cricket, football, and Formula 1.

This report examines the heightened state of tension in KwaZulu-Natal as elections approach. The discussion covers concerns regarding political violence and identified high-risk voting stations, noting that police have classified 165 locations as hotspots for potential unrest. The segment also explores the IEC's preparedness, recent observations of voter registration and special voting processes for the elderly, and personal accounts of voting experiences in Durban.

This report covers the commencement of special voting across the country, with the Electoral Commission (IEC) reporting a smooth start to the process. A total of 2.6 million voters have been approved for special votes, split between home visits and voting stations. The coverage features on-the-ground reporting from Soweto, specifically near the Footprints Hospice in Deepgold, where elderly and terminally ill residents are casting their ballots. The report highlights voter sentiment in the community, noting that while some residents express frustration with poor service delivery, they remain committed to exercising their right to vote. Additionally, the presence of law enforcement vehicles in the area suggests a focus on maintaining safety and security during the special voting period.

A sports wrap-up featuring Mwanda Mateza covering major developments across cricket, football, and Formula 1. The episode begins with an analysis of the Proteas' dominant victory over Australia in Test cricket, highlighting exceptional bowling performances and the collapse of the Australian batting lineup. The discussion shifts to the Soweto derby, examining Orlando Pirates' recent winning streak and the lack of superstar talent within the Kaizer Chiefs squad. The conversation also covers Premier League action, specifically Arsenal's ascent to the top of the table following a victory over Liverpool and the defensive impact of Declan Rice. Finally, the episode concludes with the rise of F1's youngest-ever world champion, Kimi Antonelli, and his podium celebration alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Lieutenant General Tabelo Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, discusses the South African Police Service's readiness and operational plans for the upcoming election week. The interview covers the deployment of law enforcement agencies, the use of intelligence to identify high-risk voting stations in provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and the implementation of varying personnel levels based on risk assessments. The discussion also touches upon the role of roving teams and the potential for further court applications to manage public demonstrations and maintain safety during the electoral process.

This Eyewitness News report covers the ongoing recovery of taxi services in Cape Town following weeks of deadly violence linked to a route dispute between CARTA and CODETA. While Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Saleku reports encouraging signs of operations moving smoothly at many ranks, significant anxiety persists among commuters and drivers in areas like Delft and Khayelitsha. The report highlights the tension between the necessity of using minibus taxis for daily commutes and the lingering fear of safety on certain routes.

Cape Town Mayor and Democratic Alliance leader Jordan Hill-Lewis discusses the current political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. The interview covers the ongoing taxi industry disputes in Cape Town, addressing claims regarding spatial inequality and the impact of taxi strikes on infrastructure like Cape Town Airport. Hill-Lewis also addresses the DA's polling position in major South African metros and critiques the service delivery failures in Johannesburg, specifically regarding water and electricity reliability.

This episode of the Midday Report covers major South African news, including the high-profile arrests of former officials Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan for allegedly defeating the ends of justice. The report also details the deployment of 510 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal amid security concerns and the escalating water crisis in Johannesburg, featuring insights from Joburg Water's Operations Manager on infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the episode reports on taxi violence disrupting Cape Town International Airport, internal conflicts within the MK Party, and updates on the Proteas cricket match against Australia. The program concludes with news on Durban's Olympic bid and 'Good Things' stories highlighting community honesty and physical perseverance.

Brent Lindeke presents a collection of uplifting stories in this episode of Good Things. The broadcast covers the rescue and rehabilitation efforts by Elder's Voice KZN for Andre, a man living under a bridge in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the remarkable honesty of petrol attendants Pumalani and Nelson, who used social media to return a lost wallet to Chalette in Randburg. Additionally, the episode highlights an extraordinary feat of endurance by South African obstacle course racing champion Thomas Fantonda, who successfully completed a 280-meter monkey bar course suspended beneath the Bloukrans Bridge.

This episode covers a range of major sporting developments in South Africa, beginning with an analysis of the third Test match at Newlands between Proteas and Australia. The discussion highlights Marcus Ackerman's unexpected performance as an opener and the precarious position of the Proteas during the fourth day of play. The conversation then shifts to the highly anticipated 186th edition of the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, examining historical head-to-heads and the logistical challenges regarding public transport and ticketing systems for large-scale events. The episode concludes with a debate surrounding Durban's bid to host the 2030 Summer and Paralympic Games at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The hosts weigh the prestige of hosting a global tournament against concerns regarding financial implications, infrastructure maintenance, and the socio-economic impact on local citizens.

This episode examines the recent dismissal of former MK Party Secretary General Sbonelo Nhlapo, who held an emotional media briefing to address his removal from the party. Nhlapo claims that he was targeted by fake intelligence reports and AI-generated imagery designed to mislead Party President Jacob Zuma. The discussion explores allegations that individuals within Zuma's inner circle are exploiting the President's advanced age to influence party decisions for their own interests, mirroring previous claims made by former Secretary General Floyd Shivambu.

Ongoing taxi violence between the Qatar and Kodeta associations in Cape Town is causing significant disruption at Cape Town International Airport. The unrest, which has resulted in at least a dozen deaths over three weeks, has led to severe staffing shortages, with approximately 50 percent of airport employees unable to report for duty due to safety concerns. This has resulted in massive security queues and flight delays for both domestic and international travelers. The report details the impact on passengers facing lengthy waits and the efforts of airline staff to manually manage queues. While government officials and Santaco have attempted mediation, recent meetings have seen inconsistent attendance from the involved taxi associations, with further negotiations scheduled for Monday.

In this interview, Johannesburg Water Operations Manager Guguleta Kuma discusses the critical water supply crisis facing the city. The current demand exceeds the allocated plan by approximately 200 Ml per day, leading to proposed Level 1 restrictions aimed at reducing consumption by 15%. The shortage is driven by high levels of non-revenue water, which includes leaks, illegal connections, and the burden of providing services to informal settlements. The discussion also highlights long-term infrastructure issues caused by historical underinvestment. Kuma explains that while some areas like Bryanston are seeing supply restored, the system remains constrained by reservoirs like Alexander Park. The interviewee emphasizes that demand must be arrested to prevent a total collapse of the water infrastructure.

This report examines the recent deployment of over 500 South African soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal following an emergency request from the police. The discussion focuses on the controversy within Parliament regarding the lack of timely notification to MPs and the constitutional implications of deploying troops without prior legislative oversight. In addition to the communication breakdown, the episode explores discrepancies in the reported 34 million rand budget for the operation and the broader security landscape ahead of upcoming elections. The conversation covers the role of Operation Prosper in addressing organized crime, illegal immigration, and taxi violence, as well as the potential impact of these security challenges on national stability.

This report covers the high-profile arrests of former corruption boss Andrea Johnson and dismissed crime intelligence deputy Feroz Khan, who face charges of defeating the ends of justice. The case stems from a 2018 investigation involving allegations that sensitive police docket information was shared to protect Khan during an assault investigation. The episode also details the court proceedings for Suleiman Karim, who is accused of colluding with employees to smuggle vehicles across the border using fraudulent documents.

This episode covers a range of critical news in South Africa, including the court interdict against the March and March protest group in KwaZulu-Natal and escalating taxi violence in Cape Town. We examine the momentum of business reforms and how municipal failures impact the effectiveness of national economic policies. The discussion also explores the impact of military deployment against gang violence in the Western Cape and provides an update on GDP benchmarking by Statistics South Africa. Finally, we feature an interview with Taryn Eger, who shares her harrowing journey from drug mule to drug boss as a warning to the youth.

In this episode of the Midday Report, Taryn Eger discusses her book, From Drug Mule to Drug Boss, The Taryn Eger Story. Eger recounts her transition from a restaurant worker to a drug traveler carrying heroin and cocaine capsules, eventually ascending to the role of a drug boss. She details the extreme physical risks of swallowing drug pellets, the psychological toll of border crossings, and the harrowing experience of being arrested in Kenya. The interview explores the motivations behind her criminal involvement, including financial crisis and the allure of seeing the world, as well as the eventual downward spiral that led to her imprisonment. Eger shares her ultimate message of warning to the youth about the deceptive nature of the drug trade and the ease with which one can become trapped in a life of crime.

This episode features an interview with Brandon Davis, an analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, regarding the impact of Operation Prosper in the Western Cape. The discussion examines a recent report investigating how the deployment of the South African army has been received by local communities and its effectiveness in curbing gang violence. The conversation explores the complexities of military intervention, noting mixed murder statistics across various police precincts such as Philippi, Manenberg, and Mitchells Plain. Davis discusses the limitations of using military force to tackle organized crime, emphasizing that while deployment may have a neutralizing effect on street violence, it fails to address the underlying illicit financial flows and criminal networks that sustain gang operations.

Statistician General Rasenga Malaleke discusses the 2026 benchmarked and re-based estimates of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) released by Statistics South Africa. The conversation clarifies the technical process of rebasing an economy to reflect structural shifts, moving from 2015 prices to 2022 prices. The discussion details how these adjustments impact economic reporting, noting that while previous figures were based on older price weights, the new data shows the economy sitting at 6.99 trillion as of 2022. Furthermore, the updated estimates project the economy reaching approximately 8.044 trillion by 2025, providing critical data for national policy formulation.

Busi Siwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), discusses the latest findings from the BLSA Reform Tracker, which indicates the highest score for reform momentum since monitoring began. While progress is noted in national energy, transport logistics, and water sectors, Mavuso highlights a critical bottleneck: the failure of municipal infrastructure. The discussion explores how national-level economic reforms are being undermined by the inability of local municipalities to maintain electricity distribution and water networks. The episode also addresses the impact of these failures on foreign direct investment, using the example of a German manufacturing facility facing prolonged power outages. Mavuso emphasizes that for national reforms to translate into actual economic growth and job creation, the reform agenda must be extended to the municipal level to prevent the state's service delivery failures from deterring multinational investors.

This episode covers the recent legal and political tensions in KwaZulu-Natal following an interim court interdict against the organization March and March. The report details police intelligence warnings regarding a potential plot to target the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Center and discusses the ongoing anti-immigration protests in Durban. Through an interview with Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of March and March, the program explores allegations of government censorship, the constitutional right to protest, and the socio-economic arguments surrounding immigration and border control in South Africa. The discussion also touches upon the deployment of troops in KZN ahead of upcoming local government elections.

A press conference in Cape Town addresses the escalating taxi-related violence and shootings that have left at least a dozen people dead over the past three weeks. The conflict, linked to disputes over lucrative routes between rival associations CARTA and CODETA, has led to the temporary closure of the Palm's taxi rank and heavy deployment of the South African Defense Force, law enforcement, and SAPS. Authorities are managing the fallout across areas including Delft, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha while attempting to maintain stability amidst ongoing gang and gun violence.

This episode covers significant South African political and social developments, including the ANC's campaign efforts in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of local government elections and the impact of the MK party on the political landscape. The report also examines the judicial impeachment probe in the Eastern Cape and the legal proceedings regarding businessman Suleiman Karim. Additionally, the discussion explores how municipal service delivery and infrastructure crises, such as those faced by City Power, are driving 'semigration' and affecting property markets across different cities. The episode concludes with insights from the HSRC's election satisfaction survey and various listener perspectives on the current political climate.

Northwest businessman Suleiman Karim has been granted bail of R100,000 by the Pretoria Magistrates Court following charges related to his failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission. While the state expressed concerns regarding potential flight risks and future non-compliance, the court imposed twelve stringent conditions on his release, including requirements to notify authorities of international travel and arrangements for appearing before the commission. The report also addresses Karim's separate legal challenges in Limpopo involving allegations of cross-border car theft. Although granted bail in the Pretoria matter, Karim remains subject to ongoing legal processes in the Musina Magistrates Court, as the presiding magistrate ruled that the proceedings in Limpopo do not impact the current bail decision.

This episode features on-the-ground reporting from eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, as President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts a door-to-door campaign trail. The report covers the President's interactions with elderly residents regarding municipal services, indigent programs, and high utility costs. The discussion explores the ANC's political strategy to regain support lost to the MK party during the 2024 elections and examines the disconnect between official polling data and local ward-level sentiment ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

This episode examines the ongoing judicial instability within the Eastern Cape High Court, focusing on the impeachment probe facing Judge Nklangulela. The discussion details how comments made during a private shortlisting process regarding a candidate's suitability—specifically involving false claims about a child's medical condition—have led to allegations of gross misconduct. The conversation highlights the potential for a leadership vacuum in the court, as the probe follows the impeachment inquiry into Judge President Selby Mbenenge and coincides with a vacancy for the second deputy judge president. The investigation explores the implications of these simultaneous legal challenges on the operational stability of the Eastern Cape judiciary.

City Power hosts its ninth electricity imbezo in South Hills, featuring Mayor Dada Morero and MMC Karinda Jagmohan to address ongoing power crises. The session serves as a platform for residents to voice concerns regarding consistent power outages affecting areas such as Marshalltown andआरपी Rutherglen. The discussion highlights a conflict between City Power's claims of organized copper theft damaging infrastructure and investigative reports suggesting that over 60% of Johannesburg's outages are caused by aging infrastructure requiring a 44 billion Rand investment. With elections approaching, the engagement is a critical moment for addressing service delivery expectations and resident frustrations.

This episode explores the impact of the upcoming local government elections on the South African property market, specifically focusing on the dynamics between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Featuring Renier Krik, Managing Director at Sentinel Homes, the discussion examines how municipal service delivery and political stability influence migration patterns and real estate sentiment. The conversation addresses the phenomenon of semigration, the affordability crisis in coastal cities, and how election results may signal shifts in investment risk and property transaction rates.

An interview with Professor Jolene Kotze, Chief Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), regarding the Election Satisfaction Survey. The discussion covers the methodology of the survey, which involves interviewing randomly selected voters at 300 voting stations to assess the experience of the voting process and perceptions of fairness and freedom in the elections. The episode also explores findings from previous surveys, including a notable correlation between long queue times and increased openness to digital voting among South African voters. The conversation serves as an appeal for voters to participate in the survey when approached by HSRC field workers.

This episode of the Midday Report covers updates on the AKA and Tibbs murder trial, specifically regarding the use of CCTV footage as evidence. It also explores efforts by the CIDB and the Minister of Public Works to blacklist fraudulent construction contractors, alongside an interview with CIDB CEO Bongani Dladla on contractor accountability. The program further discusses the strategic framework for water and sanitation services, addressing rumors of water contamination in Johannesburg and listener grievances regarding outages. Finally, the episode examines the implementation of new technology by the Border Management Authority to combat vehicle theft and illegal border crossings.

This episode of the Madeira Report features an interview with the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA) regarding the implementation of new technologies at South African border posts. The discussion focuses on the launch of a Vehicle Targeting System designed to combat vehicle theft and unauthorized cross-border movement by partnering with the banking sector to monitor financed vehicles. The conversation details how digital scanners, handheld devices, and cameras are being used to profile vehicles for stolen status or fake number plates. The Deputy Commissioner highlights the success of these systems in intercepting high-value stolen vehicles and discusses the training of border guards to utilize these technological force multipliers to reduce human error at the Lubombo border post and beyond.

This episode begins by debunking a viral false report regarding an urgent water contamination notice from Joburg Water. The discussion then shifts to an interview with Dr. Jack Bloom, Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, concerning the public consultation on reviewing the strategic framework for water and sanitation services. The conversation explores the modernization of South Africa's water infrastructure, focusing on moving beyond basic access to ensure water reliability, cleanliness, and drinkability. Key topics include the implementation of a new utility model, ring-fencing funds for infrastructure, addressing non-revenue water losses, and mandating budgets for operation and maintenance to prevent facility failure.

Joburg Water spokesperson Numbuso Shabalala addresses a viral WhatsApp message claiming that the Johannesburg water network is contaminated and unsafe to drink. Shabalala clarifies that the circulating message is fake news and confirms that the city's water quality remains compliant with safety standards. The discussion covers a recent incident in Bass Valley involving a contractor and a sewer pipeline, noting that subsequent testing confirmed no contamination was detected. The episode also provides guidance on how residents can distinguish official Johannesburg Water communications from fraudulent messages by looking for official letterheads and verified social media updates.