The City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water welcome the High Court of South Africa’s ruling on an urgent application brought by Afriforum NPC, during a sitting on 23 June 2026.

The application sought to challenge the City’s adoption of a water demand management charge as part of the 2026/2027 Medium Term Budget. Afriforum argued that this charge was inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and, therefore, invalid. In response, the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water maintained that the water demand management charge was a lawful and necessary measure to promote sustainable water management and to support ongoing investment in water infrastructure upgrades.

During the court proceedings, the Court carefully examined the grounds for urgency presented by Afriforum and assessed whether the matter warranted urgent intervention. The Court found that the application did not meet the criteria for urgency and accordingly, struck the matter off the roll. This ruling affirms the City’s approved budget, including the tariff structure.

The City of Johannesburg remains committed to delivering reliable, quality water services to all residents and businesses in a manner that is sustainable, equitable and transparent. The implementation of the water demand management charge is aimed at encouraging efficient water use, ensuring financial sustainability and supporting infrastructure development to meet the growing needs of our communities.

The City has been mounting strong legal cases, and its hard-earned efforts are beginning to bear positive fruit. Steady progress is being made in its ongoing efforts to restore law and order and to reclaim the city from criminals who operate with impunity.

Some of the major victories include the successful rescinding and setting aside of the judgment and order in the case between the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and Dr. Floyd Brink, the City Manager, delivered on 19 June 2026; the appeal victory at the Supreme Court of Appeal in the case between the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and Mr. Calvin Bantham; the ruling concerning unlawful occupiers of Rabie Ridge Extension 1, delivered on 23 June 2026 and the landmark judgment on Mable Towers in the Inner City of Johannesburg.

The City wishes to reassure all stakeholders that it will continue to operate within the bounds of the law and uphold its constitutional obligations. Residents, businesses and stakeholders are thanked for their continued support and understanding as we work together to build a resilient and sustainable water future for Johannesburg.

ISSUED BY THE CITY OF JOHANNEESBURG