The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has strongly condemned remarks made by the Minister of Water and Sanitation during the recent National Water and Sanitation Indaba, warning that such statements undermine the country’s constitutional democracy and the integrity of local government.
The Indaba, held on 27 and 28 March 2025, was intended as a platform to confront South Africa’s escalating water crisis and promote intergovernmental collaboration. While SALGA praised President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile for their commitment to cooperative governance, the association expressed deep concern over the Minister’s comments, particularly a controversial statement suggesting that “if it means violating the Constitution, let us violate the Constitution to give the people water.”
“This is not only deeply alarming but contradicts the principles of constitutional democracy,” SALGA stated. The association stressed that any genuine concern regarding constitutional constraints must be addressed through legislative reform—not by disregarding the rule of law.
SALGA also criticized the Minister’s dismissive response to their constitutional reminder that local government is an autonomous and equal sphere of governance. The association opposed the Minister’s support for criminalizing municipalities instead of pursuing joint, systemic solutions to service delivery issues.
“Punitive legal action against municipalities will not solve the crisis—it will only delay service delivery, drain public resources, and discourage professionals from working in the local government sector,” SALGA said.
Adding to their concerns, SALGA highlighted dysfunction in Water Boards, whose unchecked tariff increases have worsened municipal financial instability and household debt. The lack of oversight and consultation in tariff decisions, they argue, has far-reaching consequences on governance and public trust.
In its closing remarks, SALGA called on the Minister to retract the unconstitutional statements and commit to working within the law. The association reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate constructively but insisted that progress can only be achieved through mutual respect, accountability, and adherence to the Constitution.
