Polokwane, situated in the heart of Limpopo, is currently grappling with significant community challenges. Many households across the city are struggling with insufficient water supply, deteriorating roads, and frequent power cuts. This difficult situation has led to widespread frustration among residents, who are demanding clear explanations and tangible solutions from the Polokwane Municipality and Lepelle Northern Water. Collaborative efforts are essential to transform the city into a source of pride for all its inhabitants.

Water Crisis: Polokwane's Taps Run Dry Amidst Community Challenges

Imagine starting the day, preparing for school or work, only to find the taps are dry. This has become a recurring reality for many in Polokwane. The city is experiencing a severe water shortage, often exacerbated by power dips affecting major water pipelines from Ebenezer Dam and Olifantspoort, managed by Lepelle Northern Water. Beyond power issues, infrastructure failures such as machine breakdowns, burst pipes (especially older ones), and incidents of water theft or system damage further impede the consistent flow of water to homes.

This is a serious problem, with the city sometimes facing deficits of millions of litres of water daily. In March 2026, Polokwane was short by approximately 13 million litres, and in February 2026, this figure exceeded 50 million litres. This scarcity has sparked considerable unrest, particularly in areas like Seshego, where residents have protested, demanding a stable water supply and the cancellation of water bills. The Democratic Alliance (DA) even escalated the matter by approaching the Public Protector in March 2026, citing concerns about inadequate water provision by the city.

To conserve water, the municipality has implemented nightly water shutdowns from 8:30 PM to 4:30 AM in areas such as Bendor, Fauna Park, Flora Park, Moeregloed, Serala View, and Sterpark, due to critically low reservoir levels. While water levels showed some improvement in July 2026, new issues emerged as older pipes, unable to withstand increased pressure, experienced more frequent bursts. Thipa Selala, a spokesperson for the municipality, stated in March 2026 that they would cooperate with the Public Protector and provide all necessary information regarding the water situation. It is hoped that these collaborative efforts will lead to the replenishment of dams like Ebenezer Dam.

Municipal Initiatives to Address Water Challenges

Polokwane's leadership acknowledges the gravity of the water crisis. Executive Mayor John Mpe announced in his 2026 State of the City Address that R981 million is allocated for water and sanitation projects for the 2026/27 financial year, underscoring the municipality's commitment to ensuring sufficient water supply. Additionally, the municipality is exploring the installation of smart meters for water and electricity to enhance billing accuracy and fairness. This initiative represents a significant step towards improved resource management, aiming to conserve water resources effectively.

Polokwane's Bumpy Ride: Road Infrastructure Challenges

Driving in Polokwane often means navigating numerous potholes. Despite municipal repair efforts, especially after heavy rains, these potholes frequently reappear. This persistent issue is a source of frustration for residents. The Polokwane Municipality's own report from 2024/2025 indicated poor performance in road maintenance, with some planned projects failing to commence due to over-commitments in previous years.

The report also revealed that the municipality spent only 5% of its budget on road maintenance, significantly below the recommended minimum of 8% by government standards. This underinvestment contributes to the deteriorating condition of the roads. The severe floods in January 2025 further exacerbated the situation, prompting the municipality to issue warnings for drivers to exercise extreme caution. Robust road networks are vital for connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and ensuring safe transportation for taxis and minibuses.

Lights Out: Polokwane's Electricity Struggles

Similar to water supply, Polokwane's electricity provision is often unreliable. Unplanned power cuts frequently occur due to faulty transformers or cable theft. Vandalism of substations further complicates restoration efforts. In May 2026, heavy rains caused power outages in areas such as Bendor, Sterpark, and Thornhill, as power lines were damaged.

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) reported that the city was losing a substantial amount of electricity – 12.33% – amounting to over R146 million in the 2024/2025 financial year, which later increased to 13.78%. This financial loss could otherwise be invested in essential public services. In October 2024, cable theft near Nelson Mandela Drive and Devenish Street left homes in Westenburg and Nirvana without power. Protecting critical infrastructure is an ongoing battle for the city.

Community Voices: Demanding a Better Polokwane

The community's desire for their voices to be heard in decisions affecting their daily lives is evident. Mayor John Mpe's commitment of substantial funds for water and sanitation, along with efforts to install smart meters, marks a positive start, though some residents remain cautious.

The DA frequently highlights the disparity between struggling basic services and insufficient municipal spending on repairs. Nevertheless, in April 2026, the Polokwane Municipal Council convened a crucial meeting to strategise on improving service delivery, financial management, and infrastructure development. Goals include a 15% reduction in water waste and a 20% improvement in repair times within the next year. The city is also striving to become Limpopo's first Metropolitan municipality, a significant aspiration for its future.

Johan Retters, a leader from the Democratic Alliance, stated in March 2026,