Logs, burning tyres, and municipal skips were among the items used to block Dune Route, heading to the RBM, on Monday as local residents protested the lack of water supply.

Residents of the Nzalabantu community in uMfolozi’s Ward 16 have now threatened to intensify their strike action until King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) restores supply.

This marked the second protest action in the area over persistent water shortages, with residents accusing the KCDM – the water services authority – of deliberately neglecting their community.

Last month, residents issued a two-week ultimatum to the municipality, calling for the restoration of water services or an escalation of protests. With no improvement, the community followed through on its warning this week.

Impact on residents

Water shortages in uMfolozi have been a long-standing problem, with KCDM announcing several interventions in recent years.

However, residents say these promises have yet to translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

Thokozani Gumede said residents have endured years of unfulfilled promises and excuses from authorities.

“This has been going on for four years. Here in the ward we have no water, yet we are constantly told it is being fixed. Now in 2026, we have received nothing but excuses,” said Gumede.

He said authorities blamed low pressure and power outages, something he said was too much to bear as the community.

The ongoing water crisis has also affected pupils preparing for the new academic year.

Siphesihle Mbuyazi, an Ntongande Secondary School pupil, joined the march, saying the lack of water was disrupting daily life at home.

Elections in spotlight

Frustration among residents has now spilled over into political threats.

Community member Thule Ntuli warned that residents may boycott the upcoming local government elections if service delivery does not improve.

“What we were promised has never been delivered. We do not know what service delivery means here in KwaMbonambi. If water is cut, where are we expected to go?,” she asked.

Ward 16 councillor, Bhekumuzi Sithole, acknowledged that water shortages have been an ongoing problem, saying the situation has deteriorated in recent months.

“This has always been a challenge, but since changes in leadership at district level, it has become worse. We are told reservoirs are operating at around 15 percent capacity, yet only one water tanker is sent to service the entire ward, which is clearly insufficient,” Sithole said.

KCDM communications manager, Thami Shangase, said they are aware of the water issue in Mzingazi.

He added that, since the December strike where district mayor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini addressed the protesters, the supply of water from uMhlathuze Municipality has been insufficient, blaming the situation on ‘illegal’ connections by the residents.

Shangase confirmed the mayor was en route to address the residents.

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