Senior officials from the City of Ekurhuleni have arrived in Thembisa as efforts intensify to resolve ongoing protests linked to electricity disconnections and indigent policy concerns.

City Manager Kagiso Lerutla visited the Winnie Mandela Customer Care Centre on February 23 to engage directly with staff regarding the situation. The Customer Care Centre manager briefed him on residents’ concerns following widespread protest action in the area.

MMC for Finance and Strategy, Ald Jongizizwe Dlabathi, is scheduled to meet with the Tembisa Community Forum (TCF) and other key stakeholders at 11:00, as part of what the City described as ongoing efforts to find a swift and constructive resolution to the current impasse.

In a statement, the City said it acknowledges and respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest, while urging residents to protect public property and infrastructure to ensure essential services are not disrupted.

Also read: Tembisa Community Forum issues demand statement to CoE

DA accuses mayor of overstepping mandate

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni has sharply criticised Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, accusing him of abusing his powers in response to the protests.

In a press statement issued on February 23, DA caucus leader Cllr Brandon Pretorius said the party is concerned about what it describes as escalating unrest and the ANC-led coalition’s failure to govern in the best interests of all residents.

Pretorius claims the mayor’s decision to scrap electricity termination notices in Thembisa in response to protest action is unlawful and sets a dangerous precedent. He further alleges that this is the second time in less than a year that the mayor has made what the DA calls unilateral and populist decisions.

The statement references a June 2025 decision to scrap the Tariff A service charge before bringing the matter before council, which the DA maintains was illegal.

Also read: Electricity disconnection row sparks Thembisa protest

According to the DA, financial hardship is not unique to Thembisa, with residents across Ekurhuleni struggling to afford electricity, water, and municipal services. The party argues that decisions taken outside of council processes could negatively impact the City’s already strained finances.

The DA has called for a special council meeting, stating that only a fully constituted council has the legal mandate to resolve such matters.

The situation in Thembisa remains tense, with engagements between City officials and community representatives underway. Further updates are expected as discussions continue.