City of Ekurhuleni executive mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, together with the MMC for Finance, Councillor Nkululeko Dunga, has addressed the protesting community of Thembisa, announcing the suspension of the R126 monthly electricity charge that residents have been opposing.

The mayor encouraged residents to continue signing petitions, saying these would assist him in tabling the matter at the next council meeting to seek a resolution.

Also read: Mayor arrives in Thembisa as shutdown over tariffs escalates

However, he did not provide further clarity on the wider electricity tariff increases implemented earlier this month, which remain in place.

MMC for Finance, Clr Dunga, pledged to the community that the City would revert with solutions within 14 days, promising to return to Thembisa to report back on the way forward.

Also read: ‘Tired of empty promises’: Residents protest over tariff hikes

In closing, Tembisa Community Forum Chairperson Lelenkie Lefakane handed over the signed petitions to the mayor and questioned the timeframe of the suspension, stating it did not give the community confidence that the charges would be permanently scrapped.

Residents have indicated they will monitor the City’s response while continuing to demand accountability on tariff hikes and service delivery failures affecting Thembisa households.

This remains a developing story.