Gauteng High Court Restores Water to Joburg NGOs
Thousands of Johannesburg’s most vulnerable people now have access to water again. The High Court ordered the immediate reconnection of water to 23 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at the Children’s Memorial Institute. This decision ensures that these organisations can continue their vital work caring for children, families, and people in crisis. The ruling serves as a reminder that basic rights must remain protected, especially during municipal disputes.
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City Cut Off Water Without Proper Notice
Johannesburg Water cut off the water supply due to unresolved account and billing disputes. The affected NGOs tried to resolve the issue, but the city proceeded without warning or giving them an opportunity to act. Staff and residents at the Children’s Memorial Institute suddenly faced days without safe water for drinking, hygiene, or food preparation. This left care centres and therapy units unable to meet basic daily needs. The NGOs, caring for disabled children, survivors of abuse, and other at-risk groups, suffered immediate and severe disruptions.
Immediate Impacts on Vulnerable Communities
Clean water is essential, especially for those in care. Without it, staff struggled to maintain hygiene. Meals became difficult to prepare. Children and families relying on therapy and support services faced mounting health and safety risks. Distress spread quickly throughout the community. Many NGOs feared for the well-being of their most vulnerable clients. They called on civil society and the courts for urgent help.
Court Demands Procedural Fairness
Judge Mudunwazi Makamu criticised the city’s disregard for legal procedure. He ordered the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water to reconnect water within two days. The court emphasized that the city must deliver prior notice before any future disconnections. The judge tasked the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development with dividing and allocating service accounts among all tenants. This framework should stop this type of crisis from happening again.
Advocacy Groups Step Up
Section27, a legal advocacy group, worked alongside the NGOs to bring this case to court. Their efforts ensured that the daily struggles of children and families did not go unheard. Community organisations played a key role, making sure the court understood the human cost of service disruptions. The court’s swift action highlights the power of advocacy and the importance of legal intervention in protecting basic rights.
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Strong Precedent for Service Delivery
This ruling sets a new standard for cities dealing with public facilities and NGOs. Lawful occupiers now have a clear right to advance notice and a chance to resolve account problems before disconnection. The decision also requires municipalities to manage billing more fairly, with separate accounts for tenants where needed. Other organisations operating from public buildings can refer to this outcome to safeguard their ability to serve vulnerable groups.
Moving Forward Together
With the water back on, NGOs at the Children’s Memorial Institute can focus once again on their work. This crisis shows the need for strong lines of communication and clear processes between the city, landlords, and service providers. Water is not a luxury for these organisations it is a lifeline. Safeguarding essential services guarantees the dignity and rights of those they serve.
By responding quickly to an urgent crisis, the High Court has reaffirmed the importance of justice, action, and respect for basic needs. Johannesburg’s NGOs now stand on firmer ground, delivering support to those who need it most.