Johannesburg Water has intensified measures to protect the city’s water supply as forecasts of hotter and drier conditions linked to El Niño raise concerns about water availability. In a statement reported on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, the utility said it was managing reservoir levels, strengthening pressure controls and prioritising leak repairs across Johannesburg. The interventions aim to balance available water with demand while reducing losses from a supply system that is already under pressure.
Browsing: Community updates
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reported progress on the province’s e toll debt, Gautrain expansion plans and lifestyle audits during a state of governance briefing on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Speaking about transport, government accountability and public safety, Lesufi said Gauteng had paid R13 billion of its R20 billion e toll debt as of June and completed lifestyle audits for all provincial government CEOs and heads of department. He also announced further administrative progress on Gautrain expansion and outlined plans to strengthen the police response to recent murders of women in Kempton Park.
The South African Police Service arrested a 45 year old suspected drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 7 September 2026, after allegedly finding two kilograms of suspected cocaine worth more than R800 000 in his luggage. The traveller was allegedly heading to Hong Kong, China, and became the second suspected drug mule arrested at the Gauteng airport in four days.
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate found 296 minibus taxi drivers operating without valid driving licences and 268 minibuses without valid licence discs during enforcement operations across Gauteng in August 2026. Inspectors also impounded 13 taxis and discontinued 84 vehicles after finding roadworthiness and compliance problems.
A potential class action is being investigated after nearly 500 women contacted a South African law firm over a recalled batch of Yaz Plus birth control pills that allegedly caused unintended pregnancies. The affected contraceptive batch was recalled in November 2024 following a packaging error, and legal investigations are continuing during 2026.
South Africa’s electricity tariffs have increased by more than 900% since 2007, according to Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Speaking ahead of the release of the government’s new electricity pricing policy for public comment, the minister said tariffs had risen from about 19 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2007 to more than R3.70 per kilowatt-hour today. The announcement is significant for households, businesses and industries across Gauteng, where electricity remains a major monthly expense and an important driver of economic activity.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has officially opened a new Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre at Gautrain Sandton Station in Johannesburg, introducing a fully cashless and appointment based licensing service aimed at reducing corruption and improving access for motorists.
Firearm owners in Gauteng and across South Africa are being urged to check their gun licence expiry dates as new research shows firearm relicensing applications have fallen by 74% since 2021 and 2022. Gun Free South Africa says applications dropped from 213 631 to 55 936 in 2024 and 2025, raising concerns about the number of firearms linked to expired licences. Under the Firearms Control Act, firearm possession is regulated through a licensing system, with SAPS requiring owners to apply for renewal at least 90 days before a licence expires.
Service delivery protests over ongoing electricity outages shut down several major roads in Pimville and Dlamini, Soweto, on Monday morning,…
SPAR has recalled several yoghurt products sold nationally after a production-machine malfunction raised concerns about spoilage and possible stomach upset. The National Consumer Commission said the affected products were sold in SPAR stores from 15 June 2026 and carry a sell-by date of 9 August 2026 and a use-by date of 12 August 2026.