The City of Johannesburg implemented a 65.6% increase in its domestic water demand management levy, raising the monthly charge from R65.08 to R107.74 from 1 July 2026. AfriForum has launched legal action against the municipality, challenging the lawfulness of the hike and the city’s failure to disclose the calculation method behind the steep rise.
AfriForum’s urgent court application was heard at the Johannesburg High Court on 23 June but was struck off the roll for not meeting the urgency criteria. The ruling left the core legality challenge unresolved, allowing the increased levy to remain in effect. The court’s decision did not address whether the 65.6% increase itself is lawful, which AfriForum intends to pursue further.
Johannesburg Water defended the levy as a fixed monthly charge per connection that funds infrastructure maintenance and network costs over the meter’s lifespan. A spokesperson explained Johannesburg Water “cannot rely solely on revenue generated from high-consumption users to fund the maintenance and operation of its infrastructure,” justifying the demand management levy as essential for sustainable water services.
Opponents, including community groups and AfriForum, dispute the transparency of the hike. Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager at WaterCAN, questioned the process: “It was done without saying why 65.6%, how did they get to that percentage?” AfriForum’s legal representative highlighted that the key issue remains whether the levy and the increase were imposed lawfully, pointing to inadequate public disclosure and consultation.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about municipal transparency and affordability, especially in Johannesburg, where many households already grapple with rising utility costs amid service delivery challenges. Water tariffs impact household budgets significantly, making clarity on charge calculations essential.
Reports indicate the levy funds crucial maintenance but opponents argue Johannesburg residents were not given sufficient information or opportunity to contest the sharp increase. Legal proceedings may yet clarify the legitimacy of the City’s approach.
AfriForum’s spokesperson confirmed their intention to continue the legal fight to ensure the City justifies the levy properly. As of 1 July 2026, residents must pay the higher water demand management levy, pending resolution of the ongoing court case.
CapeFlats News will continue tracking developments and update readers as the legal process unfolds and the City addresses questions about calculating and communicating this major tariff increase.