Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says water has been restored in Ratanda, Heidelberg. This is after residents torched the house of the mayor following protests linked to ongoing water supply challenges.
Speaking to the media while visiting the families of two people who were killed during the unrest, Lesufi says water has been restored and the issue only remains in the high lying areas but that it will be resolved in a day or so.
“Yeah, because these are upper areas, the water is back in the community in those low-lying areas. I was having a discussion with the community. This is a high-laying area, so the executive may explain that it will take a day or two for the water to come to high-laying areas. But there is water. Water is back. I mean, I’ve interacted with people. It’s only the high-lying areas. We’ve given them additional two days to pump the water to come to the level. But I met with the minister with a late-night discussion last night, so we’ve put in permanent systems so that we don’t have to realise the problem again. But I’ve pleaded with the community just to wait for an additional day or so, so that we’re in a position to get water, especially the high-lying areas.”
[PICTURES]: Premier Panyaza @Lesufi and @LesediLocalMuni Mayor Mluleki Nkosi and Sedibeng District Mayor Lerato Maloka visit bereaved families who lost loved ones during the Ratanda water protests. pic.twitter.com/fe7xIxvyfV
— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) July 5, 2026
‘Unfortunate situation’
Fifteen people have been arrested. The Lesedi Local Municipality owes Rand Water R27 million.
Lesufi says the situation is unfortunate. “It has been a difficult and painful process, but also a fulfilling one, as we have finally been able to meet with the families. No family should ever have to go through this kind of pain. It was extremely emotional, even just to look them in the eyes and interact with them. It was also incredibly difficult to respond to what seemed like a simple question but was in fact a deeply loaded one: “Should our children die because of water?” We assured them that we are committed to resolving this water challenge.”
Meanwhile, the bereaved Ratanda families say they will await Premier Lesufi’s feedback on what could have happened to their loved ones. Lesufi promised to give them a preliminary report on Wednesday.
Katleho Mokoena and Sipho Motaung were fatally shot during the protest. Motaung Family representative, Mathulo Mooketsi says they are in pain.
“The Premier has come to see the family, so that they can make eye contact with the family, because, as we are Africans, when we are in pain, it is good to have visitors. I’m deeply hurt because this is one of the family members who I was close to. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say. I’m deeply hurt. All the time, he will always be in my heart. Death has torn us apart.”
