Lesufi Commends Tshwane’s Move to End Water Tanker MafiasWill Extend to Other Municipalities

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has commended the City of Tshwane for spearheading the end of water tanker mafias, following its decision to insource all water tanker services.

The Tshwane Move

This week, City Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya abruptly suspended water tanker services to formal areas, citing a funding crisis, while launching a shift to internalise operations in a bid to regain control over a system that has gained notoriety amid allegations of widespread corruption.

From 1 April , residents in formalised areas will no longer receive water tankers during outages, infrastructure failures, or water quality crises. The suspension will last for the remainder of the financial year after operational funds were exhausted.

The City of Tshwane faced significant criticism for its staggering expenditure of R777 million on water tankers in the financial year ending June 2025a dramatic increase from R140 million the previous year.

Lesufi’s Response

On Wednesday, Lesufi unveiled a new-look Gauteng cabinet. Reacting to whether the provincial government would expand this approach to other municipalities, Lesufi said:

“We are on a strong mission to de-tenderise state services. I want to thank the municipality of Tshwane for having taken the first step. There are also others. I know that Ekurhuleni is also following that path. I believe that the state must have the capacity to deal with the issues of water tankers.”

Water Restoration Efforts

On water challenges that have plagued parts of the province, Lesufi said efforts are being made to restore water services.

The provincial government took coordinated steps, including rolling out an Operations Centre led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo to coordinate with national entities and municipalities. Short-term measures included pressure management, leak repairs, and management of water tankers.

Recognition for Other Municipalities

Lesufi commended the efforts of municipalities such as the City of Ekurhuleni and Midvaal Local Municipality , which have been recognised for innovative water conservation strategies.

Ekurhuleni achieved a clean sweep at the recent 2026 Department of Water and Sanitation Awards, securing six Gold-level Green Drop certifications for treatment plants while also claiming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for top-performing wastewater systems nationally.

Midvaal also garnered accolades for excellence in wastewater management and infrastructure upgrades.

The Bottom Line

Tshwane took the first step. Ekurhuleni is following. The province is on a mission to “de-tenderise” water services.

The water tanker mafias may be running out of time. And Gauteng’s water future may finally be turning a corner.

{Source: IOL}

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