Tariff Protest in Thembisa Spurs Mayoral Intervention and Policy Rethink |
| Community Uprising Forces Pause on Fixed Electricity Fee Amid Soaring Power Costs Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/Eyewitness News |
Following days of heated protests in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the temporary suspension of a controversial R126 fixed electricity surcharge that had sparked widespread public outrage.
The decision, made public during a community address outside Rabasotho Hall on Monday, comes after demonstrators took to the streets in protest. Residents blocked major roads using burning tyres and barricades, prompting a strong police response that included the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
Public Outcry Over Electricity Hike
The R126 monthly fixed fee, implemented on 1 July, was introduced alongside a broader electricity tariff increase in accordance with Eskom's guidelines and approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). This fee was in addition to a national electricity price increase of 12.74% that took effect on 1 April, followed by a municipal increase of approximately 11% at the start of July.
For many Thembisa residents, particularly low-income households and pensioners, the surcharge proved too steep. Community members reported spending R600 or more on prepaid electricity, only to receive significantly fewer units than before forcing families to choose between basic necessities and power.
[BREAKING NEWS] Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza suspends Thembisa electricity hike. Residents are protesting over R126 tariff increase. #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/YaquuwKiS9
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 21, 2025
Mayor Responds to Crisis
Mayor Xhakaza acknowledged the community's frustration, stating that although the surcharge had undergone public consultation during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process, its rollout had clearly failed to consider the realities on the ground.
“Your voices have been heard,” said Xhakaza. “We are suspending the implementation of the R126 surcharge until further notice. This is not a reversal, but a pause to allow for meaningful engagement.”
The mayor also announced that his office would engage with Eskom, Nersa, and the municipal council to review the structure and sustainability of the tariff. He emphasized the need for balanced decision-making, noting that scrapping the surcharge entirely could result in a R300 million shortfall in the city’s operating budget.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Xhakaza has called on residents to continue submitting formal petitions and proposals during the next 14 day consultation window. These inputs, he said, would help shape a revised electricity pricing model that better aligns with community needs and economic realities.
A series of community meetings, policy reviews, and budgetary consultations are expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of these discussions will be presented to the municipal council before any permanent decision is made.
Broader Implications
The Thembisa protest is a stark reminder of the socio economic strain many South African communities face amid rising living costs and service delivery challenges. While the suspension of the surcharge marks a victory for grassroots activism, the underlying issues of energy affordability, municipal funding, and public trust remain unresolved.
As negotiations unfold, both the municipality and its residents are grappling with a critical question: How can essential services be funded without pushing the most vulnerable into deeper hardship?
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