‘No water, no vote,’ say Limpopo residents

Residents of some communities in the Greater Letaba Local Municipality of Limpopo are threatening to boycott upcoming local government elections, alleging that the Mopani District Municipality has failed to provide clean running water since the 2021 polls. The residents claim that the ANC had promised them "a better life for all" since the first democratic elections in 1994, but instead, they now struggle for water with wild animals.

Some women in Ward 2 resort to buying water from well-off neighbors at exorbitant rates. During a recent visit, Jimmy Molewa of Ga-Moshakga village expressed his frustration, stating that although five boreholes were drilled, only one produces water. He questioned the whereabouts of the other four and demanded an explanation for the expenditure.

Percy Ngobeni also of Ward 2 alleged that a borehole operator is receiving a substantial monthly salary for doing nothing, as he has not been seen in months and is rumored to be building houses elsewhere. Both Molewa and Ngobeni stated that they will not participate in the November elections and will encourage other villagers to boycott as well, asserting, "No water, no vote."

Women in the community, who rely on a communal tap for laundry and household needs, also expressed their dissatisfaction with the water situation. The Mopani District Municipality, however, attributed the water shortages to a lack of groundwater, stating that they are conducting a hydrological assessment to find a long-term solution.

They confirmed that four boreholes were drilled, with only one currently operational, while the other three are dry. The municipality is also replacing a pump in one of the boreholes and upgrading another, with completion anticipated by September 2026.