A video of Helen Zille snorkelling in a Joburg “pothole” has captured the country’s attention, blending humour, frustration and a reminder of the infrastructure challenges many face daily.
Johannesburg, South Africa (31 March 2026) – You know things are getting wild in Joburg when a “pothole” needs a snorkel more than it needs a repair team. Helen Zille broke the internet (again) this week, but not with a speech, a debate, or a policy announcement. This time, it was with a snorkel… in a massive hole filled with water, in Douglasdale.
We are not joking.
Zille took to social media yesterday to share a video of herself quite literally “snorkelling” in a water-filled hole, turning what is usually a frustrating symbol of infrastructure decay into something absurdly funny and impossible to ignore. Zille goes on to explain that a water pipe has been broken in that neighbourhood for over 3 years. And it does get fixed. But just breaks again. The water has filled what is to be believed to be a pothole, to the point that it has now created a pool… or small dam. That she decided to take a snorkel in.
This is not the first time a resident has taken a dip in a similar “pool” in Douglasedale. In 2020, a resident posted numerous photos of his escapdes in a sinkhole outside of his home.
Zille’s recent clip has been doing the rounds, sparking laughter, conversation and, importantly, shining a spotlight on the very real issues facing Johannesburg residents. The video forms part of a growing stream of content Zille has been sharing as the race to become Joburg’s next mayor heats up. From directing traffic at broken robots to highlighting litter-strewn streets and ongoing water challenges, she has been documenting the city’s struggles in a way that feels more immediate, more visual and, at times, more relatable than traditional political messaging.
But this one takes the cake… or, more accurately, the snorkel.
Social media leaned in.
“Nah. this is funny. You’re funny. I like it.”
“Our politicians are content creators now 😂😂”
“At this point, we’re not fixing potholes in Johannesburg… we’re upgrading them to holiday destinations 🏖️😂
Service delivery: 0 ⭐
Adventure tourism: 5 ⭐”“This is what they call going above, inside, and beneath the call of duty😂🤣my favourite show this one.”
Of course, not everyone was convinced. There were comments from people saying that no amount of humour would change their vote or sway their opinion. And that’s fair. South Africans take their politics seriously, as they should. What stood out, though, was how many people allowed themselves a moment to laugh while still acknowledging the bigger issue.
A quick Saturday snorkel in a pothole won’t fix Johannesburg’s infrastructure overnight but it has managed to get people talking again. It’s pulled attention back to problems many residents have simply learned to live with. It’s sparked conversation. And more than anything, it’s a reminder of something we do exceptionally well in this country… finding light in heavy situations, connecting through humour and keeping the conversation moving forward.
South Africans know how to laugh. Now maybe, this video will help get that pothole-dam fixed. We’ll update you if it does.
@helenzille This is one of Joburg’s many public facilities for swimming. No opening hours and no maintenance plan, yet somehow it keeps expanding… 🏊♀️🚧 #BelieveInJoburg ♬ original sound – Helen Zille
*Update: We have just been informed, from a resident, that the water leak was fixed! Go Helen! Please visit all the potholes in the city now.
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