GA-RANKUWA LEADERS TO MEET MAYOR AND COGTA MEC FOR ANSWERS!

The Ga-Rankuwa community leadership, led by Convenor Lucky Pitswane, Coordinator of mobilisation, and Deputy Convenor Walter Tshepo Matlaela, along with Thibedi Nthite, Head Marshall, is set to meet with Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya on Thursday, followed by an engagement with Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, on Friday.

The meetings will focus on elaborating the memorandum submitted by the community during a peaceful march on Monday, 18 August 2025, which captures urgent service delivery demands.

These high-level discussions follow a massive community match, SHUT DOWN, held in Ga-Rankuwa earlier this week, with all entrances closed down to traffic, where more than 2,000 residents turned out in support.

The peaceful gathering was hailed as a major success, uniting residents across different zones and political affiliations under a single call for accountability and improved living conditions.

Organisers stressed that the meeting was not confrontational but rather a platform to demonstrate community solidarity and commitment to constructive dialogue.

“The people of Ga-Rankuwa have spoken with one voice, and the government has responded by opening the door for talks. This is the beginning of a new chapter,” explained Matlaela speaking exclusively with Ga-Rankuwa Mail.

“United we stand and divided we fall. We are looking forward to hearing from COGTA MEC and Tshwane Mayor. With due respect, we will be expecting answers and plans of action on the items raised in the memorandum.

“Remember, this is not the first time we’ve complained about the lack of service delivery in Ga-Rankuwa. They are taking advantage of our quietness and think we are stupid. The time has come, and I’m glad that the people have responded. They’ve shown that they’re also tired and angry about the deteriorating state of Ga-Rankuwa.”

The memorandum has a seven-day deadline for the community to get a response.

The memorandum submitted to officials highlights critical issues, including water shortages, deteriorating roads, unemployment, and the lack of investment in youth programmes.

Matlaela highlighted that most of the issues in the memorandum were raised five years ago in 2020 during another community march when Lebogang Maile was still COGTA MEC, and they will make reference to it, too.

Both the mayor and the MEC are expected to provide feedback on how these issues will be resolved in the coming weeks.

For residents, the strong turnout of over 2,000 people underscored their readiness to engage peacefully but firmly with authorities. The upcoming meetings with Mayor Moya and MEC Mamabolo are seen as decisive steps toward lasting solutions for the township.

AMONG 13 ITEMS IN THEIR MEMORANDUM:

1. CORRUPT MUNICIPAL BILLING 
2. UNTARRED ROADS
3. SEWAGE AND SANITATION CRISIS
4. STREETLIGHT IN ALL GA-RANKUWA AREAS.
5. GA-RANKUWA HOUSING ISSUES
6. FORMALISATION OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
7. ON EMERGENCY SERVICES (GA-RANKUWA FIRE STATION)
8. JOB CREATIONS IN GA-RANKUWA.
9.  SAFETY AND SECURITY
10.  GA-RANKUWA TAXI RANK.
11.  SPORTS AND RECREATION.
12.  PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FASCILITIES.
13. LAND FILL SITES

For many residents, the march symbolised more than just protest — it represented hope. The successful turnout reaffirmed the strength of community solidarity in Ga-Rankuwa and set the tone for constructive engagements in the days ahead.