Ekurhuleni Mayor suspends electricity hike after violent protests rock Tembisa

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has temporarily suspended a controversial electricity tariff increase for the metro,  following protests by residents in Tembisa over a R126 fixed charge.

Speaking to a crowd of residents who had taken to the streets in protest outside Rabasotho Hall, Xhakaza acknowledged their frustration.

“It had been painful since last night and this morning, when you decided to protest,” he said. “We would like to thank you for being peaceful. No property was burned, and no one was injured.

Xhakaza emphasised that the municipality’s tariffs had gone through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation process, but acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction.

“The tariffs of the municipality were consulted through the IDP processes that you know, but it is clear from where we are that there’s a charge that doesn’t sit well with you,” he said. 

“What is important is that we have heard your grievances. But you have to know that this is not our problem as Ekurhuleni.”

He said the municipal tariffs are based on Eskom’s pricing structure, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).

“The structure of the municipal tariff comes from Eskom. So, through Nersa, prices are approved. We are guided by Nersa on how electricity will increase, and what we must actually collect from you,” he said.

Xhakaza announced the immediate suspension of the R126 fixed electricity charge while the city reviews the issue.

“In the meantime, we are temporarily suspending the fixed charge of R126,” he said.

“But we call on you to keep sending those petitions to allow us to go through the process of taking this matter to the Mayoral Committee and to the Council, so that we can come back and find a permanent solution.”

Earlier, IOL News reported that the protest, which turned violent as police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds, follows the City of Ekurhuleni's implementation of new electricity charges that came into effect on July 1 for the 2025 and 2026 financial year.

Residents have expressed concern over fixed monthly fees of just under R109 for single-phase connections and more than R200 for three-phase connections. 

The new charges come on the heels of a 12.74% national electricity tariff increase approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), effective from April 1, 2025.

The increase is part of Nersa’s multi-year revenue determination plan, which also includes further hikes of 5.36% in the 2026–2027 financial year and 6.19% in 2027–2028. 

Nersa said the increases aim to stabilise the country’s energy supply and support Eskom’s deteriorating financial position, which has been hampered by aging infrastructure, delayed maintenance, and continued load-shedding.

Streets across Tembisa were blocked by burning tires, rocks, and debris.

Plumes of black smoke filled the air as protesters gathered in large numbers, supported by the Tembisa Community Forum (TCF) group.

Brenda Mekoa, TCF’s spokesperson, criticised the municipality for implementing the new tariffs without prior consultation.

“The municipality introduced these increases without alerting the community,” Mekoa told IOL News.

“Ward councillors say they knew nothing about these changes. We don’t want these increases, and we want them scrapped immediately.”

Mekoa said the impact of the price hikes is being felt across both Tembisa and the greater Ekurhuleni region.

She warned that the protests would escalate if demands were not met.

“If they don’t answer our demands, we will put Tembisa at a standstill,” she said. 

“We don’t want explanations. The mayor ( Alderman Nkosindiphile Doctor Xhakaza) must apologise and cancel the increases immediately. If not, things will turn uglier than this.”

According to Mekoa, four people, including three men and one woman, have been arrested during the protests. 

She claimed they were detained despite participating in what she described as a peaceful protest.

“The police are just shooting at us randomly. It’s a peaceful protest,” she said.

IOL News has reached out to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Thabiso Makgato for comment on the arrests. 

Nevhuhulwi  confirmed that no one was arrested during the protest.

Meanwhile, residents like Johannes Papi, 62, from Ward 10 in Lekaneng, voiced their frustration.

“This electricity issue is badly affecting us. Even if you buy R600 worth of electricity, the units are very low. I’m spending over R2,000 per month just to keep the lights on,” he said.

Papi, who said he is tired of digging deep into his pockets, added that they would continue protesting until the tariffs are reversed.

Protesters began gathering around midnight Sunday, blocking major roads including Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, Brian Mazibuko Drive, George Nyanga Drive, RTJ Namane Drive, and Jabu Mdunge Drive.

EMPD spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele confirmed that roads remained barricaded and the situation volatile.

In an updated statement earlier on Monday, Makgato said, The main roads are still blocked with burning tires. Protesters are throwing stones at moving vehicles. Please be cautious.”

EMPD and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers remained on the scene Monday morning to monitor the situation.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News