Merafong Resident Helps Community With Borehole As Johannesburg Taps Remain Dry After 3 Weeks

• A Good Samaritan intervened as Merafong community members in Johannesburg faced another week without water
• The resident drilled a borehole in his home and provided the community with water in an attempt to alleviate the severe shortage
• South Africans, although pleased with his efforts, lambasted the government for allowing the water shortage in the City of johannesburg to persist

With 10 years of experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, has provided insights into infrastructure challenges and state-owned enterprises in South Africa, having worked at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

MERAFONG, JOHANNESBURG — A local businessman came to the Merafong, Johannesburg, community's rescue on 14 September 2025 after it battled with a severe water shortage for three weeks.

According to SowetanLIVE, the businessman chose to remain anonymous and explained why he decided to drill the hole. He said that the Kokosi community's taps have been without water since 29 August. The water shortage resulted in pollution issues: because toilets were closed, people resorted to relieving themselves everywhere.

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Businessman provides water to community

The businessman said that he called borehole drilling companies and got quotations. The borehole drilling was completed on 12 September. After drilling the water, he invited the community to collect water but not use it for drinking.

What did residents say?

Residents, speaking to the publication, were ecstatic and relieved. Solomon Motlong said that the water helped him and his elderly mother, who cannot walk. Another community member said that she was worried that their children were missing out on school because of the water crisis.

Water protests erupt in Gauteng

Several communities have embarked on water protests since the beginning of September. Residents of Westbury and Coronationville in Johannesburg embarked on a water protest on 9 September following a water shortage that lasted for over two weeks. The community clashed with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the police announced probes into allegations of police brutality during the protest.

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Ivory Park community members in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, embarked on a service delivery protest over a lack of water for three weeks. The protest turned violent on the same day when taxi drivers allegedly shot at community members.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on the businessman's kindness were moved, yet angry at the government.

Human of the World said:

"This should be the government's responsibility! Communities shouldn't have to step in where officials are failing to do their job."

Tshepo said:

"This is the level we've sunk to. Citizens are forced to become public utilities because those elected to serve can't even keep the taps running."

Malindela said:

"These kinds of people communities are needed, not the ones that forgot about their mandate."

Mrs B Awesome said:

"They must just take care that the water is purified because of sewage leaks and mine water leaks."

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TJD Dikotla said:

"He is a good man, and God bless and protect him from the ANC's water mafias."

Johannesburg hit by water shortage

In a related article, Briefly News reported that parts of Johannesburg were hit with a water crisis. Water was out for 14 hours on 14 September.

The central, Deep South, Randburg, Midrand, and Roodepoort systems are experiencing strain. As a result, Coronationville and Westbury residents experienced another water outage.

Source: Briefly News