The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its recently introduced R126 fixed electricity surcharge following widespread protests in Tembisa on Monday.
Ekurhuleni mayor halts electricity hike after day of riots
The demonstration began early in the morning and quickly escalated into clashes between residents and police.
Residents took to the streets at around 05:00, blocking roads with burning tyres and debris in protest of the new electricity tariff.
The surcharge had been added to monthly electricity bills in addition to broader price increases approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
Since April, Eskom customers have been paying about 13% more, and from July, municipal electricity customers have faced hikes of around 11%.
In Tembisa, the City of Ekurhuleni introduced a fixed R126 charge, which many residents said they could not afford. Protesters said the cost of electricity has become unbearable.
“It’s painful because we try to buy electricity as expensive as it is, but it’s not helping because we continue to suffer,” said local resident Onica Ntlhane to Ground Up News.
Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds after tensions flared. In some cases, protesters retaliated by throwing stones.
Taxi operators assisted in clearing blocked roads, including Andrew Mapheto Drive, which links Tembisa to Midrand and Kempton Park.
Community member Tsietsi Gumede explained the broader frustration:
“A lot of people who own the houses here are pensioners. When you buy electricity for R1,000, you only get units worth R750. Where is the other R250 going?”
The protesters also submitted a petition to the city, demanding the immediate removal of the surcharge.
By Monday afternoon, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza addressed the crowd and confirmed the temporary suspension of the tariff.
“We will temporarily suspend the fixed R126 tariffs, but please continue with the petition so it can allow us to take it to the mayoral committee in the Council,” he said.
He assured residents that the city would consult with NERSA and return with a final decision within 14 days.
“We do not want to carry a risk that [this decision will have in] impacting the city’s financial sustainability. We want to look at what the mechanisms are available and how do we best position our people,” he added.
While the situation has calmed, it remains to be seen how the city will balance its financial obligations with residents’ demands.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Ann Makgato said a full report would be released soon.