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IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
EFF backs Tembisa residents in protest against electricity surcharge
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has expressed their solidarity with the people of Tembisa who embarked on an electricity surcharge protest on Monday morning. The EFF has described this service charge as unreasonable, as it places an additional strain on the everyday residents of Ekurhuleni, who are already facing significant challenges due to widespread poverty and concerning unemployment figures in the region. The Metro had implemented a R126 electricity fixed surcharge, which the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, subsequently temporarily suspended after the protest during an address with the community. However, the red berets said this was not enough, they want the permanent removal of this expense, which they term as exploitative. The EFF further said Xhakaza's utterances are ineffective as he does not have the powers to make such pronouncements without consulting the legislature. This charge followed the 12.74% national electricity tariff increase approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which came into effect on April 1, 2025 This contentious surcharge follows an alarming 12.74% increase in national electricity tariffs approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which took effect on April 1, 2025. The increase is part of Nersa's multi-year revenue determination plan, which includes further hikes of 5.36% in the 2026–2027 financial year and 6.19% in 2027–2028. Nersa justified this increase as part of a multi-year revenue determination strategy aimed at stabilising the country's failing energy supply while attempting to remedy Eskom's challenging financial predicament, marred by aging infrastructure and ongoing load-shedding incidents. Nersa said it aims 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.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Shimza's ‘Hang Awt' in Thembisa puts the vibes on hold due to protests as he rocks Europe
Shimza, who is from Thembisa, is currently on a two-month tour of Europe and North Africa. DJ Shimza's eatery The Hang Awt 1632 temporarily closed its doors following protests in Thembisa. Picture: DJ Shimza's eatery, The Hang Awt 1632 in Thembisa, closed its doors on Monday in respect of the community protests that had gripped the Ekurhuleni township. 'Based on the recent events happening in and around Thembisa, we have decided to put the vibes on hold for now,' read the brief statement. 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and will continue to assess the situation. We are committed to reopening as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be communicated via our official social media platforms.' Thembisa community members took to the streets on Sunday night and Monday to protest against the electricity tariff implemented by the City of Ekurhuleni, as new electricity charges came into effect on 1 July for the 2025-26 financial year. Residents 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 follow a 12.74% national electricity tariff increase approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), effective from April 1, 2025. The Hang Awt 1632 is expected to open for business after the suspension of the protests. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni mayor to suspend electricity tariff hike after protests in Thembisa Thembisa community wins However, following the heated protests, City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza suspended the new fixed electricity tariff charge until further notice. Addressing residents outside Rabasotho Community Hall, Xhakaza expressed relief that the protests had not resulted in any reported injuries. 'It has been painful since this morning and last night when you decided to take to the streets. We must agree that some people have no interest in coming up with solutions,' he said. ALSO READ: DJ Shimza's restaurant The Hang Awt set to reopen its doors Shimza in Europe Real name Ashley Raphala, Shimza is currently on a two-month-long European and North African tour that has already seen him play DJ sets. The tour started in early July, where he performed in Egypt , followed by sets in Spain, Morocco and France. When the protests kicked off on Sunday night in his beloved Thembisa, Shimza was performing at Ibiza's Playa Soleil. He'll be performing in Greece and Italy in the coming days. His tour is expected to wrap up in early September. NOW READ: 'You aspire to tenders' – Mmusi Maimane drags DJ Shimza and Athi Geleba
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Ekurhuleni mayor suspends controversial electricity surcharge after violent Thembisa protests
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has suspended the controversial electricity surcharge that led to violent protests in Thembisa on Monday. Thembisa residents took to the streets to air their frustration and demonstrate their rejection of the introduction of a fixed R126 electricity surcharge, which kicked in on July 1. Major routes in Thembisa were blockaded by protesting community members. Xhakaza said he understood the community's frustration. 'We understand where your frustrations are coming from and we would like to thank you for keeping the protest peaceful,' he said. He added that the tariffs had gone through the integrated development plan (IDP) process. 'These tariffs are from Eskom's pricing structure and they were approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).' Xhakaza announced that the electricity surcharge had been suspended with immediate effect while they attempt to come up with a better solution. Police had their hands full and fired rubber bullets to disperse the angry crowd which had blockaded streets with rocks, burning tyres and broken glass. Thembisa ward councillors hosted a community meeting on Monday at Rabasotho community centre that ended abruptly after residents demanded the presence of senior City of Ekurhuleni officials to provide answers on tariff increases implemented from July 1.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ekurhuleni Mayor suspends electricity hike after violent protests rock Tembisa
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has temporarily suspended electricity tariff increase in Tembisa following protests by residents over a R126 fixed charge. Image: Supplied 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). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading '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. IOL News
News24
3 days ago
- News24
Tensions flare in Tembisa over electricity charges as residents clash with police
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.'
