The Gauteng Provincial Government says it has intensified efforts to stabilise Lesedi Local Municipality and restore water services after deadly protests in Ratanda, Heidelberg, claimed two lives last week.
The provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the water supply and financial challenges facing Lesedi Local Municipality following the deadly service delivery protest in Ratanda, Heidelberg.
Two people, including a 39-year-old man who was allegedly not part of the protest, died after police fired rubber bullets during demonstrations over prolonged water shortages.
Residents took to the streets, blocking roads with burning tyres and stones while demanding the restoration of water supply in the area.
Eyewitnesses told Newsnote that police responded heavily as protesters confronted officers during the unrest.
Sipho Motaung, 39, was allegedly shot while gathering with friends at a home near the protest. His family says he was not involved in the demonstration.
Motaung later died in hospital. He had been preparing to start a new job as an artisan in Secunda.
Katleho Moloi, 23, was also killed during the protest.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Motaung and Moloi.
The violence escalated on Friday when the Lesedi mayor’s house was torched, allegedly by angry residents. Fifteen people were arrested on charges of public violence.
The Gauteng Provincial Government said the unrest highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated intervention to address the municipality’s water challenges, financial instability and governance concerns.
In a statement, the provincial government said it had noted criticism from the Democratic Alliance over the crisis in Lesedi but insisted that work was already underway to stabilise the municipality.
“While every South African has the right to hold government accountable, it is equally important that public discourse reflects the extensive work already underway to stabilise the municipality and restore reliable service delivery,” the provincial government said.
It said MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo had led engagements involving the Office of the Premier, Rand Water, Lesedi Local Municipality and other key stakeholders.
A multi-agency Technical Task Team has since been established, comprising representatives from the Gauteng Provincial Government, Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Provincial Treasury, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent and Lesedi Local Municipality.
The task team has been mandated to develop a financial recovery and debt repayment plan, improve revenue collection and financial management systems, reduce water losses, improve infrastructure maintenance and strengthen governance within the municipality.
It will also implement measures aimed at protecting residents from further water supply disruptions.
“The Technical Task Team has already commenced its work and is expected to produce a detailed implementation plan with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes,” the provincial government said.
“This collaborative approach demonstrates government’s commitment to resolving the underlying causes of the municipality’s challenges rather than relying on short-term interventions.”
The provincial government said an agreement between the stakeholders had helped avert further water supply disruptions while a longer-term solution is developed.
It said the intervention is aimed at restoring the municipality’s financial and operational stability while ensuring residents receive reliable services.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Mamabolo visited Lesedi Local Municipality on Friday for a follow-up meeting with the mayor and to engage directly with community members.
The provincial government said it would continue monitoring the implementation of the intervention and keep residents informed of progress.
“Our priority is to ensure that the people of Lesedi receive reliable services through a financially stable and well-governed municipality,” it said.
The IPID investigation into the deaths of Motaung and Moloi is continuing.
