Johannesburg – The City of Johannesburg has criticised Helen Zille, mayoral frontrunner for the Democratic Alliance (DA), for allegedly entering a Yeoville water reservoir without permission while filming a video highlighting security lapses and leaks.
Zille visited the Yeoville reservoir this week to demonstrate how easily the facility could be accessed through an unlocked gate.
While at the site, she observed several young men lingering on the property, visible leaks in the reservoir’s structure, and residents drawing water from an open manhole cover.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila said Zille breached security protocols at a Johannesburg Water facility and warned that city assets cannot be used for political campaigning, EWN reported.
The city has launched an investigation to determine who allowed her and her team access and has threatened legal action against unauthorised entrants.
“In light of the recent incident at the Yeoville reservoir complex, I have requested that Johannesburg Water conduct a formal investigation to identify how unauthorised personnel gained entry, The Citizen quoted Sekwaila as saying.
“We will not allow political parties to use the city’s strategic assets for campaigning.
“Such infrastructure should remain off-limits to political activities, and we will pursue legal action against anyone who unlawfully enters these sites,” Sekwaila stated.
Sekwaila said the reservoir complex is governed by strict safety protocols and is part of a broader refurbishment plan affecting 22 reservoirs.
He added that authorities are working to strengthen security amid ongoing vandalism and infrastructure challenges.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
