Thembisa has come to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clash with police over electricity tariff hikes and service delivery issues.

Thembisan journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, says sporadic gunfire can still be heard in parts of the township as police attempt to disperse protesters blocking roads.

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

Residents, community leaders, and officials from the City of Ekurhuleni are gearing up to host a meeting in response to the unrest in an attempt to calm tensions and address community grievances.

City of Ekurhuleni executive mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has arrived at Rabasotho Community Centre, where the venue is packed with residents chanting and demonstrating to show their grievances.

“While tensions are high, no acts of violence have been seen, with the community united under one voice, demanding answers from the mayor on increased electricity tariffs and households left without electricity,” said Mathebula.

He added that residents also want to know what the money paid by Thembisa residents to the City each month is being used for, as the area continues to face poor service delivery.

@kemptonexpress Thembisa Shutdown – July 21, 2025 Thembisa has come to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clash with police over electricity tariff hikes and ongoing service delivery failures. Thembisan journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, says sporadic gunfire can still be heard in parts of the township as police attempt to disperse protesters blocking roads. At this moment, City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has arrived at Rabasotho Community Centre, where the venue is packed with residents chanting and demonstrating to show their grievances. While tensions are high, no acts of violence have been seen, with the community united under one voice, demanding answers from the mayor on: Increased electricity tariffs Households left without electricity What the money paid by Thembisa residents to the City each month is being used for, as the area continues to face poor service delivery. The mayor is yet to address the furious community of Thembisa. All roads, exit points, and e-hailing services in Thembisa remain shut as the shutdown continues. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as disruptions may continue if tensions escalate. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. #TiktokNews #Thembisa #tembisashutdown #policeofficer #EMPD #cityofekurhuleni #Protest #HappeningNow ♬ original sound KemptonExpress

The mayor is yet to address the furious community of Thembisa.

Also read: Thembisa residents reject new electricity tariffs, demand action

“All roads, exit points, and e-hailing services in Thembisa remain shut as the shutdown continues.”

Motorists are urged to avoid the area as disruptions may continue if tensions escalate.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.