David Mahlobo Says Water Access Has Increased to 91.3% Under the ANC, Mzansi Questions Claim
- Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo discussed how water access improved under the African National Congress
- Mahlobo also referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa's elevated focus on both water and energy security in the country
- South Africans challenged the figures online, pointing to dry taps, dirty water tankers, and decades of deteriorating infrastructure
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Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - David Mahlobo has claimed that South Africa has achieved 91.3% access to water under the African National Congress, but many social media users don’t agree.
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation presented the figure as evidence of the ANC's progress on a constitutional right that millions still struggle to exercise in practice.
Mahlobo was speaking at Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg on 16 August 2026, during an ANC media briefing focused on the party's 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto Review, covering housing, water, and energy.
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Mahlobo's water and sanitation claims
Citing what he described as 32 years of policy direction, Mahlobo said the ANC had worked hard to extend water access to those who were previously denied it.
“Over the last 32 years, we must know that the ANC have moved right to ensure that access to water, to those that were denied access to water, including the benefits associated with water and sanitation.
He placed the current access to sanitation figure at 85.6% and stated that South Africa remains on track to meet its Sustainable Development Goal commitments.
Mahlobo also referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa's elevated focus on both water and energy security, framing the administration's approach as providing the "highest level of leadership" on the issue.
South Africans question the numbers
The briefing drew swift pushback online, with users questioning the gap between official statistics and lived experience, as many areas suffer prolonged water shortages.
Francois Van Wyk questioned the minister's framing:
"Define 'access'."
Pumeza Nomatyenge was less restrained:
"Tell him I am laughing at him. Haibo, he is a joke."
Mrwebi Tshepo pointed to the length of time these problems have persisted:
"After 30 years, why are we still discussing basic human needs?"
William Mochaisa raised the situation in rural communities:
"People in rural areas are still drinking water with animals from rivers. 32 years of the ANC ruling the country."
Mduduzi Mdluli offered a blunt summary:
"They are talking about water tankers."
Xoliswa Mabizela challenged the reliability of the data itself:
"50% of taps have been dry since 2008. Water tankers aren't a solution because the water given to people isn't clean. He must stop lying."
Water Department sues 53 municipalities
In a related article, the Department of Water and Sanitation took legal action against 53 water services authorities.
Briefly News noted that the action was taken due to the alarming drops in compliance with basic water delivery standards.
As municipalities grapple with financial misconduct, nearly half of the country’s water authorities are at risk of supplying unsafe drinking water.
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Source: Briefly News
