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Out of Touch: Opposition Rejects Lesufi’s Apology, ANC Backs Him Amid Gauteng Water Crisis
Lesufi apologised after remarks sparked protests amid a water crisis affecting Johannesburg suburbs where residents face outages up to 24 days, officials said.
- On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi apologised to City of Johannesburg residents after suggesting they could shower at hotels during a media briefing following visits to critically low reservoirs in Johannesburg.
- Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina said earlier this week municipalities’ inability to maintain infrastructure and skill shortages drive outages, with roughly R400 billion needed to repair local systems.
- Nearly 25 days without reliable taps have prompted street protests by residents of Johannesburg across Melville, Parktown West, Mayfair, Greenside, Parkview and Emmarentia, some reporting no water for 24 days.
- Some ANC figures publicly backed Lesufi's apology while others criticised the timing, the Democratic Alliance said it will take Joburg Water and the City of Johannesburg to court, and critics warned Helen Zille's campaign may strengthen.
- Ministers were pulled from the State of the Nation Address to tackle Gauteng's water emergency as President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed key officials while Rand Water and Gauteng government work to stabilise reservoirs; local leaders demand clear accountability, timelines and progress beyond apologies.
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Tone deaf? Lesufi slammed for hotel bathing comment as Gauteng residents endure water crisis
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi faces backlash for his hotel comment amid a severe water crisis, as he apologises and emphasises that the government is committed to ensuring equal access to water for all residents.
·South Africa
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 17%
C 33%
R 50%
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