Locals angered by extended power outage
“We made the decision to strike because going without electricity for days made it difficult for us to go about our everyday lives."
On April 4, residents of Thembisa’s Sedibeng Section staged a protest against the ongoing power failures by taking to the streets at the intersection of Rocket Street and Brian Mazibuko East Drive.
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Protesting residents blocked roads in the area with burning tyres and stones.
The residents said they had been without electricity for more than three days and have been pleading for immediate help to solve the area’s electricity problem.
One resident, who was also the protest organiser and wished to stay anonymous, stated the electricity cables had apparently been stolen which resulted in residents being left powerless.
“We made the decision to strike because going without electricity for days made it difficult for us to go about our everyday lives.
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“We contacted the ward councillor, but he was unable to provide us with updates and explanations, so we were forced to vent our frustrations in public so that our concerns would be heard.
“The ward councillor arrived and attempted to explain why we were experiencing power outages, and we listened to him in the hopes that our electricity would be restored in a timely manner.
“The electricity returned as soon as the demonstrations were over, and we are not holding our breath because we know it will be turned off again soon,” he said.
