WATCH: Residents demand jobs, housing and an end to load reduction at Palm Ridge public meeting
Residents used a public meeting in Palm Ridge to confront Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over youth unemployment, load reduction, housing shortages and poor service delivery, while the premier outlined a three-point plan to end electricity load reduction.
Residents voiced their frustrations over youth unemployment, electricity challenges, housing shortages and poor service delivery during a public meeting hosted by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza at the Palm Ridge Community Hall on June 25.
The meeting gave residents an opportunity to raise concerns directly with government leaders and officials.
One of the major issues raised was youth unemployment, with residents saying the lack of opportunities is contributing to crime in their communities.
Residents told the leadership that young people do not see the benefits of the City’s budget allocations.
“We don’t benefit from the budget the mayor talks about,” one resident said, adding that unemployed youth are increasingly becoming involved in criminal activities because of a lack of opportunities.
Some residents claimed that areas such as Tembisa and Tsakane receive better services than communities in Kathorus.
“We haven’t had reliable electricity since load reduction was introduced,” one resident said.
Residents urged government to prioritise young people, with some saying many no longer vote because they have lost confidence in government.
@albertonrecord Residents used a public meeting in Palm Ridge to confront Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza over youth unemployment, load reduction, housing shortages and poor service delivery, while the premier outlined a three-point plan to end electricity load reduction. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
Housing also dominated discussions, with residents highlighting overcrowding in informal settlements.
“There are families living in shacks with more than 10 family members,” one resident said.
Mthimkhulu Manzi from Ward 48 in Moleleki criticised government for what he described as years of neglect.
@albertonrecord Mthimkhulu Manzi from Ward 48 in Moleleki criticised government for what he described as years of neglect. “As the mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, you should feel guilty knowing there are people who have lived without electricity for about 30 years. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“As the mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, you should feel guilty knowing there are people who have lived without electricity for about 30 years.
“From the ANC leadership to the Government of National Unity, the ANC has failed us from the start. We have been begging you, but we are still being ignored,” he said.
Manzi said residents had repeatedly submitted petitions without receiving any feedback.
“On May 28, we were at DH, where we handed over our petition and were told we would receive a response within 14 days. We are here today and still have no response.
“We also went to the premier’s office. In October 2025, we submitted a petition there and we have still not received any response,” he said.
Lindiwe Bina said residents in Kwanele South continue to struggle with load reduction and rising electricity costs.
“Eskom increased electricity prices, expecting unemployed people to buy electricity.
“What’s even sadder is that there are people who have electricity and don’t pay for it. Those of us who do buy electricity are the ones suffering and being abused.
@albertonrecord Lindiwe Bina said residents in Kwanele South continue to struggle with load reduction and rising electricity costs. “Eskom increased electricity prices, expecting unemployed people to buy electricity.” Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“Areas where people are bridging electricity don’t experience load reduction. Why is that?” she asked.
Ward 103 councillor Ntombikayise Mahlangu said she was speaking on behalf of residents who continue to experience power outages caused by load reduction.
@albertonrecord Ward 103 councillor Ntombikayise Mahlangu said she was speaking on behalf of residents who continue to experience power outages caused by load reduction. She said that, in some instances, electricity is only restored several days later. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
She said that, in some instances, electricity is only restored several days later.
Mahlangu also highlighted ongoing electricity challenges in Palm Ridge and thanked the City’s Energy Department for attending the meeting to hear residents’ concerns.
Residents further appealed to government to build another police station to serve Palm Ridge and surrounding communities, saying the growing population can no longer rely solely on the Eden Park Police Station.
Lesufi outlines plan to end load reduction
Responding to residents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said government has allocated funding to assist vulnerable households through the indigent support programme.
@albertonrecord Responding to residents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said government has allocated funding to assist vulnerable households through the indigent support programme. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“When you are young, part of a child-headed household and have no one providing financial support, you qualify for indigent assistance. Government has the budget to assist you so that Eskom does not disconnect your electricity,” he said.
Lesufi said government has set aside R72b to assist unemployed people, older persons and caregivers looking after orphaned children.
However, he stressed that qualifying residents must first be registered on the indigent register.
The premier also committed to ending load reduction but said this would depend on three conditions being met.
Firstly, residents who have connected electricity illegally must come forward so they can be assisted to connect legally.
Secondly, unemployed residents and elderly people must be registered on the indigent register to receive government assistance.
Thirdly, government plans to introduce smart electricity meters to ensure residents purchase electricity through legitimate vendors.
Lesufi said meeting these conditions would help government reduce electricity losses and create a pathway towards ending load reduction in affected communities.
