Residents in Maheights, Bronkhorstspruit, have experienced severe water shortages, with some going nearly two weeks without a water tanker, forcing them to buy drinking water or fetch from a local stream for washing and bathing. These complaints emerged ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections, reflecting wider service delivery issues in the City of Tshwane.
According to a Sowetan field report on 3 November, the water in the stream was visibly murky and had green algae-like growth. While a water tanker reportedly arrived in Maheights the day before the election, residents remain frustrated by the ongoing challenges. Resident Gritah Ntuli told Sowetan, “I am going to vote because I want the incoming government to build proper roads. I want electricity and water, because without them there’s no life.” Another resident, Dolly Mahlangu, said, “I want clean drinking water. We want running water from our taps; that is why I am going to vote.”
These local struggles mirror Tshwane’s broader infrastructure challenges. Reuters reported on 2 November that Tshwane, which includes Pretoria, faces ageing water and electricity networks with mounting maintenance backlogs. The Vote estimates that the city lost 39% of its water supply in 2024-25 — valued at R1.7 billion — and 21% of the electricity it purchased in the same period.
Adding to the pressure, a University of South Africa election debate held on 30 October highlighted that discussions about Tshwane’s water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, municipal debt, and political instability dominated the campaign trail before this election.
In response to service delivery concerns, Tshwane chair of chairs Patrick Matshiane kaMabona told Sowetan, “We have placed JoJo tanks in the area and water tankers come regularly to fill them. We have mobile toilets in the meantime and electricity is being installed as we speak.” While this addresses some needs, residents say access remains inconsistent and unreliable.
ActionSA’s Tshwane campaign has promoted increased infrastructure investment, water and electricity stabilisation plans, and resurfacing over 220 kilometres of roads. However, these promises will be tested by voters who have long endured inconsistent service delivery.
Across South Africa, delivery of basic services such as water and electricity remains a key voter concern, underscored by DW’s election coverage, which cited Tshwane as an example of metros struggling to meet these demands ahead of the elections.
Tshwane’s election on 4 November offered residents a chance to signal their dissatisfaction with the status quo and demand accountable leadership focused on restoring essential services. Whether the outcome will lead to tangible improvements remains to be seen.
Cape Flats News will continue to monitor developments and follow up on Tshwane’s service delivery trajectory in the coming months.