Thembisa residents reject new electricity tariffs, demand action

The Tembisa Community Forum (TCF) convened a meeting at the Rabasotho open space to discuss issues affecting residents of Thembisa under the CoE on July 13.

The agenda covered concerns regarding local clinics, the Tembisa Hospital, a budget review, electricity tariffs and the need for community unity.

The forum criticised the newly announced electricity tariff increases and fixed charges introduced by the CoE for the 2025/2026 financial year.

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While the city claims the changes align with national regulations and cost recovery models, the reality for many Thembisa residents is different.

According to the TCF, residents are already burdened by high unemployment, rising living costs and inadequate service delivery.

Introducing fixed monthly charges of R109.78 for single-phase and R203.89 for three-phase connections, regardless of electricity use, further entrenches inequality and punishes low-income households.

“This meeting marks the beginning of taking our fight to the municipal chambers,” said TCF chairperson Lelenkie Lefakane.

“Thembisa residents are among the highest-paying sectors in the city’s books, yet they are consistently overlooked when it comes to proper service delivery.”

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During the meeting, the TCF highlighted key concerns:

• Unjust and disproportionate impact: The tariffs disproportionately affect communities like Thembisa, where many live below the poverty line. The city’s statements fail to acknowledge the socio-economic disparities across its regions;
• Lack of meaningful engagement: The CoE did not adequately consult affected communities before implementing the changes. Public participation must be inclusive, transparent and responsive;
• Indigent relief inaccessible: While the city promotes its indigent support package, the application process remains opaque, and many qualifying residents are unaware or unable to access these benefits.

“Thembisa residents are not asking for free electricity. We are demanding fair, affordable and transparent pricing,” Lefakane added.

“The current structure penalises the poor while offering little accountability for service failures.”

During the Q&A, TCF media liaison Xolani Mnisi addressed the community’s calls to pay electricity directly to Eskom instead of the municipality.

“Since 2021, we have fought to return to Eskom, but it has not moved forward,” Mnisi said.

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“Bear in mind, Eskom warned us that if we return, residents will bear the costs of any meter box damages, and the process will not be easy.

“We will continue to fight for this because it would relieve the burden on residents who pay on time and lift the load from the municipality.”

Lefakane also urged residents to prioritise attending community meetings and actively participate in engagements.

“Many say the mayor should attend our meetings, but when he does come to Thembisa, residents don’t show up,” she said.

“We cannot expect change if we don’t participate. We need to prioritise our community, attend meetings, voice our issues and stand together to demand accountability for where our money goes.”

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In closing, Lefakane said the TCF rejected the new levies and has given the municipality seven days to respond before taking to the streets.

“We no longer want explanations. We want forward-thinking solutions and cancellation of these high tariff increases that came into effect at the start of July,” she said.