Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News
Tembisa, 21 July 2025 — A wave of frustration and anger echoed through the streets of Tembisa on Monday morning as residents took to the streets in a full-scale shutdown, voicing their concerns over increased electricity and water tariffs implemented on 1 July 2025 by the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
#TembisaShutdown #MunicipalTariffs #ServiceDelivery
Demonstrations began in the early hours of the morning, with blocked roads, burning tyres, and community gatherings across various zones under the 1632 postal code. Residents claimed that the sudden hike in service charges was unaffordable, especially for low-income households already struggling with unemployment and poverty.
Community leader Mr. Jabulani Mokoena, representing the local civic forum, said, “We are not against paying for services, but this increase is unreasonable and not accompanied by improved delivery. We demand transparency and fairness.”
#CommunityAction #StandUpTembisa
In response, the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Cllr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, arrived on the scene with senior officials from the Department of Energy, Department of Finance, and Public Safety to address the agitated crowd. “We understand the pain and anger of our people,” said Cllr. Xhakaza. “We are here to listen, not to lecture.”
He was joined by Ms. Thandeka Mzobe, the Acting Director of Energy in Ekurhuleni, who explained the tariff adjustment process, citing national regulations but acknowledged the lack of sufficient community engagement. “This is something we must improve,” she said.
#LeadershipInAction #EkurhuleniMunicipality #EnergyJustice
Also present was Mr. Vincent Lebelo, the Chief Financial Officer for Ekurhuleni, who clarified that the increases were part of a national alignment policy but admitted that the burden on residents was not anticipated to be this severe. “We’ve heard your cry,” he told the crowd. “A temporary suspension has been agreed upon.”
Following intense dialogue, the leadership requested a 14-day suspension of the protest to allow the municipality and provincial stakeholders time to craft a permanent solution regarding the current tariff structure. A follow-up community feedback meeting has been scheduled for 4 August 2025.
#PowerToThePeople #AccountabilityNow #1632VoicesHeard
Residents have cautiously welcomed the suspension but insist they will resume protests if no meaningful progress is made. Local youth leader Nolwazi Mthethwa warned, “We are not looking for empty promises. We need real, immediate change.”
SA Rainbow News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.
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#SARainbowNews #CommunityVoice #TembisaNews #ProtestResponse #MunicipalAffairs
May our cry be heard coz enough is enough, we cnt buy electric for R500 n get small units more especially in these rented rooms
Thank you for raising your voice. Your concern reflects a growing frustration shared by many, especially those living in rented rooms and struggling with the high cost of electricity.
At SA Rainbow News, we believe in amplifying community voices and holding relevant stakeholders accountable. We encourage residents facing similar challenges to continue speaking out. Your stories matter — and together, we can push for more transparent and fair energy policies.