Taps run dry in South Africa because of a R23.77 billion debt

• South Africa's municipalities owe R23.77 billion to water boards as of 31 July 2026.
• The country's water sector faces challenges including low revenue collection, poor credit control, governance issues, and financial management weaknesses.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed R156 billion for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years to address the crisis.