Tensions flare in Tembisa over electricity charges as residents clash with police

News24

6 days ago

Violent protests have erupted in Tembisa as residents block roads and pelt police with stones over new electricity tariffs and flat-rate charges by the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
Residents demand the cancellation of increased municipal bills, reconnection of electricity supply, and scrapping of additional monthly charges that was not sanctioned by Nersa.
Some residents were prevented from leaving the area because of blocked roads that prevented access to home, work and crèches.
There is a tense stand-off between residents and police in Phomolong, Tembisa with locals blocking roads with burning tyres and debris following an electricity hike by the City of Ekurhuleni.
Protesters also hurled rocks and other debris at police who were attempting to clear the area.
Civilians attempting to access the area were turned away, including local residents trying to reach their homes.
Protests erupted on Sunday night in response to imposed tariffs and monthly charges implemented by the City of Ekurhuleni on electricity bills.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is expected to address the aggrieved residents in the afternoon.
No flat rate increase
Thabiso Selepe, a resident, voiced his frustration saying they were against the additional flat rate charges introduced by the municipality on top of the recent Nersa-approved tariff increase that took effect from 1 July.
'We don't have a problem with Nersa's rate hike, but the municipal flat rate must be scrapped. The municipality must cancel it. We were never consulted, and they don't respect us. They must also scrap all municipal bills and reconnect electricity for those whose supply was disconnected,' he said.
The municipality added a 13.4% increase in addition to the Nersa charge.
Paulina Mthombeni was among several residents denied access to Phomolong.
She was returning from a night shift and, along with others, was accused of opposing the protest by going to work.
'I couldn't reach my home. I watched from a distance as residents clashed with the police,' she said.
Another resident, Tracy Gumede, raised concerns about her child's safety.
'I was called from work to collect my child from the crèche, but I couldn't get there because the roads are blockaded,' she said.
'I live in Phomolong, but they won't let me in, ' she complained.
Gumede said she wasn't aware of the planned protest.
'I left early in the morning, and everything was quiet. There were no signs of a protest. I share the same frustrations as my neighbours, but I had to go earn a living.'