Emily Thomas

Some water experts are warning that without proper planning, more towns could face similar trouble in the coming years. Dr. Ferial Adam from WaterCan, a Johannesburg-based research and advocacy group, explains.

Back in Naisna, local NGOs like Gift of the Givers have been a lifeline, bringing in thousands of liters of water daily from private boreholes to boost municipal reserves, even delivering to those often worst affected. In Kaileto township, irregular water supply is already a painful norm, dating back months and in some areas years. But on this day, help has come.

I see people carrying buckets and starting to form a line from small children to adults. The residents say the day zero anxiety has at least brought attention to their daily struggle. Sixty-year-old Kanye Suasehula explains. Whenever there's no water, we're forced to wait for the municipal water trucks.

I am an old woman and I struggle to walk. Naisno's troubles are far from over, experts tell me. What's needed beyond temporary plugs is an overhaul of the outdated water system. And that will require millions of dollars and political will to deliver on this basic right.

Kiitos, että katsoitte.

Louise Gold was a puppeteer and voice actress for The Muppet Show for four seasons from 1977. She spoke to my colleague Johnny Diamond. He asked her if she could believe that they're doing it all again. Just listening to the news. It's just what we need. Oh my God, do we need some laughs.

And that's all from us for now. If you want to get in touch, you can email us at globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk. You can also find us on X at BBC World Service. Use the hashtag Global News Pod.

And don't forget our sister podcast, The Global Story, which goes in-depth and beyond the headlines on one big story, available wherever you get your podcasts. This edition of The Global News Podcast was mixed by Mark Pickett and the producers were Daniel Mann and Mickey Bristow. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Emily Thomas. Until next time, goodbye.