11 March 2026 The Amajuba District Municipality Acting Mayor, Cllr Thembelihle Mthembu, today joined Dannhauser Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Bongani Radebe, together with officials from the Municipal Engineering Department, to engage with the community of Ward 1 at Skombareni in Dannhauser following ongoing service delivery protests relating to water shortages.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the municipal leadership to listen directly to the concerns of residents and to provide feedback on the efforts currently underway to address the water supply challenges affecting the area. Community members expressed deep concern about the prolonged water interruptions, noting the difficulties that households continue to face as a result of the situation. Municipal leadership acknowledged that the community’s frustrations are understandable. Speaking during the engagement, Acting Mayor Cllr Thembelihle Mthembu emphasised that the municipality fully understands the impact the water shortage has had on the daily lives of residents.
"We recognise the hardship that our communities are experiencing and we want residents to know that their concerns are heard. Access to water is essential for every household, and we understand how difficult it is when this basic service is disrupted.” The Acting Mayor reminded residents that this was not the first engagement with the community on the matter. Two weeks ago, the municipal officials visited the area to provide an update and assure residents that the Municipality is actively working on solutions to the ongoing water challenges. While water tankers are currently being used to provide temporary relief, the Municipality acknowledged that this intervention does not fully meet the needs of the community. “We know that water tankers are not a permanent solution.
They are only meant to provide temporary relief while we continue working on a number of projects that are aimed at bringing long-term and sustainable water supply solutions to the people of Dannhauser,” said Cllr Mthembu. Municipal officials also provided feedback on ongoing efforts and projects that are expected to improve water supply in the affected areas. The Amajuba District Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to working together with the Dannhauser Local Municipality and the community to find sustainable solutions and ensure that residents receive reliable water services. The Municipality continues to appeal for calm and cooperation as technical teams work to address the challenges affecting the area.