Note to Editors: Attached please find a soundbite in English here by Solly Msimanga MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, urgently intervene to address a severe lack of service delivery in Lesedi.
Residents in the Lesedi Local Municipality have taken to the streets to protest against the lack of service delivery. The water shortages in Ratanda have seen residents flock to a cemetery 45 minutes away on foot, pushing wheelbarrows to collect water. Despite assurances that the water supply would be restored, there was still no water.
It is unfortunate that during the violent crisis last week, two people were killed and residents set the mayor’s home alight. The water crisis began mid-June when Rand Water reduced its bulk water supply to the Lesedi Local Municipality. It is alleged that the municipality owes at least R27 million to Rand Water and has failed to honour the payment arrangements.
Despite all these challenges facing Lesedi residents, MEC Mamabolo is nowhere to be seen while this crisis worsens. The DA Gauteng wrote to MEC Mamabolo on 24 June 2026 about Lesedi’s defiance of a court order, which led to the illegal implementation of the new Property Valuation Roll and forced residents to pay higher rates and taxes. In addition, we called on the MEC to ensure that the proper processes are followed in line with the court order. However, to date we have not received any feedback from MEC Mamabolo.
No residents should be killed because they are unable to access a basic service such as water. The lack of provision of basic services in Lesedi is infringing on residents’ rights to access water and sanitation. This municipality currently has an unfunded mandate and is struggling to provide services without any funds.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng is yet to receive a response from the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, regarding the Lesedi Property Valuation Roll.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would address service delivery issues in Lesedi by first assessing credits owed to bulk service providers and entering into a realistic payment agreement. Residents of Lesedi deserve a government that puts their needs first and does not flout the processes that are already in place to ensure fair governance.