By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has temporarily suspended the electricity tariff increase in Tembisa following protests by residents.
The protest began around 5am with roads being barricaded with burning tyres.
Through the morning scenes escalated which saw teargas and rubber bullets being fired by SAPS to disperse the protesters.
EMPD spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele said that some routes have been affected, including Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, Brian Mazibuko Drive, George Nyanga Drive, RTJ Namane Drive and Jabu Mdunge Drive, which are still barricaded with rocks, burning tyres and mobile toilets.
“No participants have been reported thus far. Both EMPD and SA Police Service officers are on scene monitoring the situation.”
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area and use alternative routes on Monday.
Addressing residents outside Rabasotho Hall, Xhakaza confirmed that the charge would be halted temporarily, pending resolution of the issue through engagement with stakeholders including Eskom and National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
“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.
“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).
Xhakaza announced the immediate suspension of the R126 fixed electricity charge while the city reviews the issue.
Nersa has approved a 12% tariff increase for Eskom for the 2025/26 financial year. The regulator cited the pleas of South Africans who testified during hearings that they would not be able to afford food and electricity if Eskom’s original proposal of 36% were granted.
Thembani Bukula, chairman of Nersa, then said they had also approved an 11% increase for the 2026/27 financial year and a 9.1% hike for 2027/28.
For 2025/26 the increase will provide R384-billion in revenue for Eskom and will kick in from 1 April.
Bukula said Nersa had heard the pleas of domestic consumers and businesses that an electricity increase along the lines of Eskom’s original request of 36% would be disastrous for households and businesses.