The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng launched a striking billboard in Pretoria that targets Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the ANC over persistent water shortages. The sign reads "ANC showers in hotels" and urges voters to support the DA for reliable tap water. This move highlights growing frustrations with service delivery as local elections approach in 2026/2027.

Critics argue the DA billboard Gauteng water crisis underscores deeper infrastructure issues. Lesufi has faced backlash for earlier comments about using hotels during outages, though he later apologized.

DA Unveils Mocking Billboard in Pretoria

The DA revealed the billboard on 3 March 2026 in East Lynne, Pretoria, depicting Lesufi showering in formal clothes. Solly Msimanga, DA Gauteng leader, called it a response to Lesufi's perceived contempt for residents. He told supporters that no one can afford hotel showers due to government failures.

Msimanga offered an infrastructure plan based on expert input, but claimed the ANC rejected it. Instead, officials blame high water usage while ignoring underground losses nearing 50%. The DA billboard Gauteng water crisis aims to rally voters against such inaction.

Ongoing Water Challenges and Political Fallout

Gauteng has grappled with water disruptions since early February 2026, affecting homes, schools, and hospitals. Lesufi addressed the issue in a media briefing last month, noting he too faced inconveniences and sometimes showered at hotels. However, this drew comparisons to Marie Antoinette's "let them eat cake," sparking memes and cartoons across social media.

Lesufi apologized multiple times, including on 12 February 2026 via eNCA and during his State of the Province Address on 23 February 2026, regretting any impression of unequal impact. He stressed infrastructure failures and leaks cause the problems, not scarcity. Yet, opposition figures like Helen Zille claim the ANC has lost touch with ordinary people.

Opposition Pushes for Change Ahead of Elections

DA leaders predict ANC losses in Gauteng municipalities due to corruption and poor services. Zille highlighted that residents endure weeks without water, unlike leaders who access alternatives.

"When people have been out of water for weeks and months, Panyaza Lesufi thinks there is no problem,"

she said, according to IOL.

Cilliers Brink noted water tanker spending surged from under R200 million to over R1 billion after coalition changes. Water losses climbed from 32% to 40% in a year. The DA billboard Gauteng water crisis fuels calls for a master plan to fix pipes, electricity, and roads, with Joburg needing R200 billion alone.