Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi returned to Ratanda on September 16 as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Imbizo Wednesday programme, where residents raised service-delivery concerns and sought feedback on commitments made during an earlier engagement.

The engagement at the Ratanda Multipurpose Hall brought together Lesufi, members of the Gauteng Executive Council and Lesedi Local Municipality leadership, including Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi.

The visit followed a provincial government engagement held in Ratanda on May 14, when residents raised concerns about electricity infrastructure, support for indigent households, crime, lawlessness and service-delivery challenges.

Lesufi committed to returning with relevant MECs and national government representatives to provide feedback on the issues raised.

Wednesday’s Imbizo provided residents with an opportunity to raise outstanding concerns and receive updates on government interventions.

The engagement also revisited the deadly unrest that shook Ratanda in July following weeks of water shortages.

Two residents, 23-year-old Katleho Mokoena and 39-year-old Sipho Motaung, died during the protests.

Their deaths were reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which began investigating whether police action was involved.

Mokoena’s family previously said he had joined residents during the protests and was later taken to hospital after allegedly being struck by rubber bullets. The family called for clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

As part of Wednesday’s programme, Lesufi, accompanied by Executive Mayor Nkosi and Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo, visited the family of one of the victims.

Lesufi provided the family with an update on the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The Premier told the family the matter was now under IPID investigation and that independent investigators had been appointed to assist.

The update follows earlier calls from bereaved families and community members for answers regarding the deaths during the July unrest. IPID had previously confirmed that it was investigating the deaths to establish whether they resulted from police action.

The deaths occurred during widespread protests over prolonged water shortages in Ratanda.

The unrest escalated into clashes between residents and police, with roads blocked and the property of Executive Mayor Nkosi set alight.

Police subsequently arrested people in connection with public violence.

The water crisis was linked to challenges involving Lesedi Local Municipality’s supply from Rand Water, with the disruption leaving residents without reliable access to water for weeks.

The provincial government subsequently intervened as efforts continued to restore supply and address the municipality’s financial challenges.

Wednesday’s Imbizo gave residents another opportunity to raise concerns about water, service delivery, and the consequences of the July unrest, while government leaders reported on steps being taken.

The engagement forms part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to maintain direct communication with communities and follow up on commitments made during previous service-delivery engagements.

Update: Ratanda family demands answers after 23-year-old dies during service delivery protest