Randfontein residents protest against David Makhura

Ahead of David Makhura’s state of the province address (Sopa), a few residents from in and around Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, have braved the wet weather in protest against the premier.

One of the residents, Donovan Cloete, said Makhura had to take responsibility for the tragic Life Esidimeni saga that left more than 100 (and counting) mentally ill patients dead.

“The MEC resigning is not enough and we also feel that the premier must also do the right thing and step down because the tragedy happened right under his nose,” Cloete said.

Meanwhile, other residents stood at a road near the Green Hills Stadium where the Sopa will be held, hoisting placards reading “Makhura must fall”.

The Gauteng provincial legislature will ensure that the recent recommendations by the Health Ombudsman into the tragic Life Esidimeni are implemented fully by the executive, speaker Ntombi Meigle said on Monday morning.

The official legislature sitting was officially opened with a moment of silence in respect of the mentally ill patients who died after being transferred to illegal facilities.

The Sopa will be taking place inside a marquee and no longer at the Green Hills Stadium due to inclement weather conditions.

Makhura is expected to address the province anytime from 10am on Monday.