Residents of Themba Khoza in Ivory Park have resumed their protest after City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Executive Mayor Dada Morero failed to provide an update he had promised.

The residents had initially halted their strike following engagements with the mayor, who had committed to reporting back on September 9. However, the date passed without any feedback.

The protest, which first began in early August, stems from residents’ long-standing demand for electricity in the area.

According to community leaders, residents have been living without electricity for over 20 years despite repeated attempts to engage councillors and the City of Johannesburg.

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“For 20 years we have been staying here without electricity. After years of engaging councillors and visiting CoJ offices without proper service, we decided to protest.

“The mayor came to address us but did not stick to his word, as the promised date has passed,” said community secretary Rich Baloyi.

Protestors have since blocked Republic Road, a major route that connects Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Kaalfontein, and Clayville.

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“It is painful to witness leaders who come to struggling communities and make promises they cannot keep. When it’s time to vote they see us, but when it’s time to deliver they disappear.

“We fear that our protest might put us on the wrong side with the taxi industry, but we ask them to support us because this protest seeks to benefit the wider community,” Baloyi added.