DA uses Gauteng water crisis craftily ahead of 2026/7 local govt elections

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has used Gauteng's water crisis as an electioneering tool ahead of the 2026/7 local government polls.

On Tuesday, the blue party unveiled its new billboard that takes a dig at Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's recent “hotel” comments.

Lesufi came under fire in February when he said he was forced to take a shower at a hotel due to the ongoing water crisis in the province.

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Lesufi has since apologised for his comments; however, the DA said his remarks point to how the African National Congress (ANC) has lost touch with citizens.

The billboard unveiled in East Lynne, Pretoria reads: “The ANC showers in hotels” and “vote DA to put water in your taps.”

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said, “We are saying to the people of Gauteng, we are saying to the people of South Africa, you can continue doing some of the same, but you will end up in tears. We are seeing the deterioration right now. We had to struggle with electricity for almost 15, 16 years and we had said that we’re going to have the same problem with water.”