​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government continues delivering on its promise of restoring electricity to the people one community at a time. 
On Thursday, the GPG replaced five transformers in Ratanda as part of the Energy Crisis Response Programme, a comprehensive initiative tackling damaged transformers, debt management, and overhauling the billing system.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi, addressing the community during a celebratory event, began by acknowledging the residents' endurance through prolonged suffering and commending their resilience.
Expressing regret for the challenges caused by electricity outages, Premier Lesufi stated, "I am proud today that I am coming to you to say we are sorting out the transformers and substations issues. I do not want you to spend Christmas and New Year or for your children to return to school without electricity." 
The Lesedi community, requiring 22 transformers, received 12, accompanied by installing solar high-mast lights to enhance safety during loadshedding.
Premier Lesufi disclosed that R399 million had been allocated to refurbish two ageing power stations in the province, with completion expected by March 2024.
Beyond immediate fixes, Lesufi emphasised the importance of addressing loadshedding at its core.
"It must not end here with us fixing substations, transformers or putting solar panels; reality is if we cannot fix load-shedding in Gauteng, that is the end of our jobs and lives."
He outlined plans to invest in making Gauteng independent of the Eskom grid, ensuring uninterrupted progress.
"We must invest in ensuring that Gauteng is off the Eskom grid; we stand alone on our own and proceed to advance. We want to push to solve this problem once and for all," he added. 
The Premier noted that public institutions and schools across Gauteng are now equipped with solar panels, enabling work to continue during loadshedding. 
"This issue of turning patients away at clinics when loadshedding must end here in Gauteng. You cannot be in Gauteng and not have electricity," said Lesufi. 
In contrast to other communities facing prolonged electricity shortages, Ratanda has been relatively fortunate. 
Executive Mayor of Lesedi, Mluleki Ronald Nkosi, highlighted the community's minimal challenges, focusing on transformer maintenance and mast lights. 
"No section in this area has completed a month without electricity. We do not have major challenges; the issue we have in our community is the maintenance of transformers and the need for mast lights. We are grateful," said Nkosi.
Pensioner MaMoremi Chuku (79) expressed gratitude for the delivered promise, stating, "I am happy and ecstatic. We used fire to cook and lamps for lighting; when we had no money for those, we would be frustrated. I am grateful beyond measure."