City of Ekurhuleni executive mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the immediate suspension of the city’s controversial fixed electricity tariff charge following community concerns and recent protests in Thembisa.

The R126 (including VAT) fixed charge, introduced for the 2025/2026 financial year in line with National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) directives, was intended to support infrastructure maintenance and sustainable electricity supply.

However, it sparked discontent among residents, leading to calls for its removal.

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Mayor Xhakaza confirmed that the suspension is pending urgent council endorsement and is intended to facilitate “comprehensive, inclusive, and orderly engagement” with residents on the matter.

The city has started preparations to implement the suspension within its billing system to ensure the immediate cessation of the fixed charge.

The mayor emphasised the city’s commitment to addressing legitimate community concerns while cautioning against violence and criminality during protests.

“The municipality remains fully committed to engaging robustly with residents regarding electricity tariffs and broader service delivery concerns; however, acts of violence, vandalism, and criminality will not be tolerated,” said Xhakaza.

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Avoiding another 2022 Thembisa scenario

Xhakaza acknowledged the 2022 violent unrest in Thembisa, which led to significant financial losses, damage to infrastructure, and the tragic loss of life, noting that while many grievances were legitimate, the events were overshadowed by criminal activity.

The suspension aims to prevent a repeat of such incidents while allowing structured discussions to address residents’ concerns.

Social relief measures rolled out

In addition to suspending the fixed charge, the City of Ekurhuleni has rolled out a series of social relief measures in alignment with the commitments made during the 2025 State of the City Address.

These include:

• Revised property value thresholds to enable more vulnerable households to access municipal support.

• A Debt Rehabilitation Scheme offering debt write-offs for qualifying over-indebted residents.

• Expanded indigent support to broaden access to free basic services for more residents in financial distress.

• Waivers of service connection charges for residents affected by cable theft.

• A three-month tampering charges waiver (July to September 2025) to allow residents to regularise municipal connections without penalties.

READ: Thembisa residents reject new electricity tariffs, demand action

“These interventions reflect our commitment to social justice, equitable service delivery, and meaningful support for our residents, particularly those most impacted by prevailing economic conditions,” Xhakaza said.

Call for calm and participation

The city has called on residents to remain calm and to engage peacefully during the upcoming consultations, reaffirming its commitment to transparent and accountable leadership while working towards a fair and sustainable solution for all residents of Ekurhuleni.