The Civic Action for Democracy and Equality (CADE) Gauteng was born from a People Assembly that was held in January 2025 following a prolonged period of interrupted supply to households during 2024. The assembly was attended by over 30 civic structures that fall mainly from within the municipal borders of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). Representatives from the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance were also present as were some civic structures for Erkerhuleni Municipality.