DA launches billboard campaign criticising premier’s hotel shower remarks amid Gauteng water crisis

JOHANNESBURG – The Democratic Alliance has unveiled a controversial billboard campaign targeting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi over his response to the province’s ongoing water crisis, which has left residents without water for weeks.

The billboard, launched on today, Tuesday 3 March, by DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, contrasts what the party calls the “ANC’s Hotel Shower plan” with the “DA’s water in your taps”, referencing comments made by Lesufi in which he said he showers at hotels when experiencing water outages.

Msimanga said the campaign was necessary to highlight what he described as the premier’s disconnect from residents’ daily struggles.

“This billboard is essential to tell Panyaza Lesufi that it is unacceptable to show such contempt for the people of Gauteng. No resident can afford to hire hotel rooms to get a shower because your failing government denies them water at home,” Msimanga said in a statement.

The water crisis has affected multiple municipalities across Gauteng, with residents reporting water leaks, reliance on water tankers, and empty water towers in recent weeks.

Msimanga criticised the premier’s remarks as being detached from the reality facing millions of residents. “As water leaks, water tankers, and empty water towers dot municipalities across the province, it is inexcusable for the premier to throw flippant remarks around,” he said.

The billboard campaign forms part of the DA’s messaging ahead of upcoming local government elections. The party has positioned itself as offering solutions to municipal service delivery challenges, particularly in water provision.

“In ANC-run municipalities, they move from crisis to crisis, and leak to leak. But DA-run municipalities plan for the future. Ensuring water in your taps,” Msimanga said.

The DA leader called for an immediate change in how Gauteng residents experiencing water shortages are addressed by provincial leadership.

ALSO READ: Johannesburg water crisis threatens thousands of jobs as DA heads to court