JPOMA

30/07/2026

OUTA clarifies borehole statement: National water-use registration vs municipal borehole requirements

OUTA’s recent statement regarding household exemptions from registering borehole water use with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in terms of Schedule 1 of the National Water Act, remains correct. However, this should not be confused with the responsibility of households to obtain the relevant permits or registrations from their municipalities where by-laws require them to do so, as is the case in the City of Johannesburg.

DWS expressly confirmed this distinction in its response to OUTA, and OUTA also addressed it in its original statement.

Municipal by-laws remain applicable and must be observed. These requirements can serve legitimate public-interest purposes. In areas with dolomitic geology, for example, groundwater abstraction requires careful management because of geological instability and sinkhole risks.

Municipal oversight may also be necessary near major infrastructure, including the Gautrain and underground services, and to manage groundwater quality, borehole construction standards, and contamination risks.

OUTA’s message is therefore not that people may drill boreholes wherever they choose or disregard municipal rules. Water remains a finite resource, which is why appropriate regulation and responsible use are essential.

OUTA’s message is that DWS has clarified that most ordinary households whose groundwater use falls within Schedule 1 are not required to register that water use with DWS and will not face the penalties or imprisonment that caused public concern.

Homeowners must nevertheless understand and comply with the municipal by-laws that apply to their properties in their respective municipalities.

OUTA appreciates DWS’s constructive engagement and its decision to provide its interpretation in writing. This is the outcome OUTA sought: clarity for the public, compliance by those legally required to register, and the continued protection of South Africa’s groundwater resources.

To view the original statement, click here: https://www.outa.co.za/blog/newsroom-1/dws-confirms-most-household-borehole-users-do-not-need-to-register-says-outa-1510

20/07/2026

Joburg, we know everyone says Sundays are for lovers, mara on 26 July, we're walking the talk.

We're reclaiming our inner city one step at a time, and eish, it's about time.

The 702 Walk the Talk is about seeing our city differently – it’s about actually seeing the people we walk past every day.

Every entry means real support through Mi-Change digital vouchers that connect the city's most vulnerable to meals, showers, safe shelter and pathways out of homelessness.

Three distances. All accessible. All welcome. All starting and finishing at Ellis Park.

Are you ready to Walk the Talk? Let's meet at Ellis Park. Sho pop!

Register at https://702walkthetalk.co.za/

16/07/2026

Don't miss JPOMA GM Angela Rivers on SABC 1 today at 11am for Community Heroes!

08/07/2026

Given CoJ's existing financial challenges, this decision by National Treasury will be closely monitored as any prolonged withholding could place additional pressure on municipal cash flow, potentially affecting infrastructure maintenance, service delivery and turnaround times on municipal processes.

JPOMA will continue to monitor developments and engage with the City where necessary. We will keep members informed of any material changes.

National Treasury has moved to temporarily withhold July 2026 equitable share transfers to 69 municipalities, including some of South Africa’s biggest metros, in an attempt to force councils to clean …

09/06/2026

Business has committed to a deep partnership to fix the city that holds the key to growth. But it needs a committed partner.

02/06/2026

An important contribution to the ongoing debate around Johannesburg's 2026/27 budget.

While the City faces significant financial and infrastructure challenges, affordability must remain a key consideration. Excessive tariff increases risk placing additional pressure on households, tenants, businesses and property owners who are already struggling with rising costs.

JPOMA supports a balanced approach that strengthens municipal finances while ensuring that residents and businesses can continue to participate in and contribute to the formal economy.

Two academics and a civil society leader point to bloated wage and salary bills for both staff and executives as one of the main issues in the metro’s malaise

22/05/2026

On 18 May 2026 Angela Rivers appeared on Newzroom Afrika to discuss the pros and cons of residents maintaining their neighbourhoods where CoJ is failing with service delivery.

https://www.jpoma.co.za/angela-rivers-on-newzroom-afrika-18-may-2026/

22/05/2026

"It was great being part of such a passionate and knowledgeable panel. The message is clear: litigation is not the solution, but it feels like the only course of action when all avenues are exhausted. The CoJ needs to get the basics right to fix the trust deficit." Angela Rivers, JPOMA GM.

19/05/2026

29/04/2026

If you could fix one barrier in residential development in South Africa today, what would it be? At the upcoming 4th Annual Residential Investment & Development Summit, industry leaders will unpack the challenges and explore practical solutions shaping the future of housing in South Africa.

If you are involved in residential development, housing investment, or urban planning, this is a conversation worth being part of.

https://www.jpoma.co.za/reside-summit-20-21-may-2026/