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Helen Zille Snorkels in Trench to Protest Johannesburg's Neglect

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Helen Zille, 75-year-old politician, staged a snorkeling stunt in a water-filled trench on a Johannesburg road to spotlight mismanagement.
She wore a wetsuit and snorkel and swam in muddy water from a burst pipe left unfixed for three years.
The event coincides with ongoing water and electricity cuts in Johannesburg, as the current mayor acknowledged the trench's history and said it was repaired shortly after.

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Story summary

Helen Zille, 75-year-old politician, staged a snorkeling stunt in a water-filled trench on a Johannesburg road to spotlight mismanagement.
She wore a wetsuit and snorkel and swam in muddy water from a burst pipe left unfixed for three years.
The event coincides with ongoing water and electricity cuts in Johannesburg, as the current mayor acknowledged the trench's history and said it was repaired shortly after.