The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng has noted the media briefing by the Gauteng Provincial Government outlining progress on governance and service delivery across the province.
COSATU notes the announcement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, regarding the development of the new Brixton reservoir and water tower aimed at addressing persistent water shortages in the City of Johannesburg.
This intervention forms part of a broader R760 million infrastructure programme, which includes the construction of a new reservoir, water tower, and pipeline upgrades to stabilize water supply in affected communities.
COSATU Gauteng welcomes this investment as a necessary step towards resolving the ongoing water crisis that has severely affected working-class communities, including areas such as Coronationville, Westbury, and surrounding parts of Johannesburg that have endured prolonged outages.
However, while these developments are encouraging, COSATU Gauteng remains concerned about the slow pace of implementation and repeated delays in bringing critical infrastructure online. Reports indicate that timelines for the Brixton water tower have previously not been met, further deepening public frustration.
The Federation emphasises that access to water is a fundamental human right and a basic service essential for the dignity, health, and economic survival of workers and their families. Ongoing disruptions not only inconvenience households but also place an additional burden on workers, small businesses, and public institutions.
COSATU welcomes the commitment to a people-centred budget, with 85% of expenditure directed towards social services such as health, education and social development. This reflects an understanding of the urgent need to cushion the working class and the poor against rising living costs, unemployment and inequality.
COSATU welcomes progress in housing delivery and the issuing of title deeds, which restore dignity and provide security to working-class families. However, the scale of the housing backlog demands a far more aggressive rollout. The Federation urges the provincial government to prioritise well-located housing close to economic opportunities and public transport to reverse apartheid spatial planning.
The handover of the Gautrain to the province is a significant milestone. However, COSATU reiterates that public transport must be affordable and accessible to workers. The current cost structure excludes the majority of commuters. Any future expansion or public-private partnership arrangements must prioritise affordability, local job creation and worker protections.
COSATU supports initiatives to combat hunger and poverty, including the establishment of the food distribution centre under the Fetsa Tlala programme. While this intervention provides immediate relief, it cannot replace the need for sustainable job creation and industrial development. Government must intensify efforts to grow the economy, support local industries and tackle unemployment, particularly among the youth.
COSATU Gauteng therefore calls for urgent acceleration of infrastructure rollout, including the full commissioning of the Brixton reservoir and related systems. Clear timelines and transparency from government and the City of Johannesburg on project completion and service restoration. Accountability for delays and failures in water infrastructure management.
The Federation will closely monitor the performance of the newly appointed Members of the Executive Council, particularly in critical departments such as Finance, Infrastructure Development, Health, and Economic Development. These departments play a central role in ensuring that public resources are used effectively, infrastructure is delivered efficiently, and economic opportunities are expanded for the working class.
COSATU Gauteng will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to mobilize workers and communities should government fail to deliver on its commitments.
Issued by:
COSATU Gauteng Provincial Chairperson: Vusi Amos Monyela : 079 493 5002
COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe: 082 2972659