Vooka News 13 February 2026

Amnesty warns: South Africa faces instability before SONA. 

Amnesty International warns South Africa faces worsening corruption, crime, and weak accountability ahead of SONA. Public trust in law enforcement has collapsed, with State Capture recommendations largely unimplemented and prosecutions limited. Slow reforms and justice system failures are fuelling gender-based violence, while human rights defenders and whistleblowers remain under threat. 

Lesufi apologises after water crisis remarks spark social media backlash 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi apologised after remarks on the province’s water crisis sparked backlash. He said his hotel shower reference was misinterpreted, stressing that shortages inconvenience everyone equally. Social media users, however, criticised his comments, accusing him of insensitivity and warning of political fallout. 

Joburg residents urge Ramaphosa to resolve water crisis. 

Johannesburg residents, hours before SONA, urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the city’s worsening water crisis. Communities in Mulbarton, Robertsham, Ridgeway, Ormonde, and Winchester Hills protested weeks-long outages, demanding reliable supply and transparent communication from Joburg Water and Rand Water. Community representative Zubair Patel criticised repeated “cut-and-paste” explanations about empty reservoirs, calling for open, honest updates as some areas still receive water from Crown Gardens towers. Residents say they are tired of misinformation and want accountability.