Protest Over Water Crisis Brings N12 and R500 to a Standstill

Karen Scheepers
Sep 25
2 min read

Residents of Kokosi in Merafong have reached breaking point, taking their frustration to the streets in a large-scale protest that shook the region this week. On Tuesday, traffic on the busy N12 and R500 intersection near Fochville was brought to a standstill as protesters blocked the roads with rocks, tyres, and vehicles. Their message was clear: without water, life is unbearable, and accountability is long overdue.

The Water Crisis in Merafong

For weeks, large parts of Merafong City Local Municipality, including Kokosi and Fochville, have faced crippling water shortages. The crisis stems from the municipality’s staggering R1.4 billion debt to Rand Water, which has resulted in restricted supply of up to 40%. With reduced pressure, high-lying areas like Kokosi have endured completely dry taps, leaving thousands of households without a basic necessity.

The consequences have been dire. Families have queued at water tankers, relied on boreholes provided by private donors, or resorted to unsafe sources such as rivers and open manholes. Health concerns are mounting, with cases of stomach illness reported due to untreated water. Elderly residents and children have been especially hard-hit, with sanitation, schooling, and daily life severely disrupted.

Community Demands and Demonstrations

The “Total Shutdown” protest drew more than 70 residents who demanded immediate restoration of water supply. Their memorandum, handed to Executive Mayor Nozuko Best, gave the municipality 25 hours to act. Placards and chants echoed a deeper frustration, with many calling for the mayor’s resignation, accusing local leadership of corruption and incompetence. Residents stressed that the protest was not only about water, but also about dignity and accountability.

Police Response and Tensions

The protest escalated when police attempted to disperse the blockade, firing rubber bullets and tear gas. While no serious injuries were reported, the incident sparked outrage among protesters, who accused law enforcement of using unnecessary force against citizens demanding their constitutional right to basic services.

Despite the tension, the protest remained firm in its resolve. Community leaders coordinated the shutdown, allowing only Grade 12 students to attend school while businesses and transport services stayed closed.

Authorities’ Engagement

Mayor Best personally received and signed the memorandum at the protest site, promising to respond within the 25-hour deadline. However, she did not address calls for her resignation, leaving many in the crowd unconvinced. Residents warned that if water was not restored by the given deadline, further shutdowns would follow.

Current Situation and Outlook

By Wednesday, debris at the N12 and R500 was being cleared, and traffic gradually began moving again. Yet, for the community of Kokosi, the real concern remains: whether their taps will flow again. Without immediate intervention from municipal and provincial authorities, the crisis threatens to deepen, pushing residents to continue protests and further disrupt critical routes.

The Bottom Line

The Merafong water crisis is more than a service delivery failure; it is a test of leadership, governance, and the resilience of a community determined to be heard. The protest at the N12/R500 intersection has made one thing undeniable, when people are denied water, they will no longer remain silent. What happens next will determine not only the flow of water but also the trust between citizens and those elected to serve them.