MMC for Finance and Strategy Jongizizwe Dlabathi addressed residents on February 23 following a community shutdown that brought daily operations in parts of Thembisa to a halt.

The protest action centres on three key demands: the restoration of electricity to disconnected households, a review of the City’s indigent policy, and the scrapping of debts and pre-termination notices.

Dlabathi said the City of Ekurhuleni had conducted an internal review of pre-termination letters issued in the area.

“When we did our research on the pre-termination letters, we found that 1,552 letters were issued,” he said.

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“These were sent to households that are not meeting the City’s requirements, as a way of inviting them to come forward and engage with us so that we can find proper solutions.”

He added that 753 electricity disconnections had been implemented in Thembisa. However, he noted that more disconnections had taken place in areas such as Edenvale and Kempton Park.

In line with instructions issued by Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza on Sunday evening, Dlabathi confirmed that the City has halted the issuing of further pre-termination letters while it seeks a way forward.

“Those who have been disconnected, we have instructed the Department of Energy to reconnect them,” he said.

Also read: Tembisa Community Forum issues demand statement to CoE

Dlabathi further explained that the City’s indigent policy had been developed in consultation with the Department of Social Development before being handed over to the finance department for implementation. He noted that future steps would also be guided by the incoming financial report for the 2026 budget.

Debt concerns remain a sticking point

The issue of scrapping outstanding debts and notices remains a major source of tension. Dlabathi said there is an existing debt relief policy that allows residents to approach their ward councillors to seek assistance and make arrangements in line with City guidelines.

He urged residents to apply for debt relief through the appropriate channels.

Also read: City officials engage in Thembisa as DA criticises mayor’s decision

The MMC confirmed that Thembisa’s current municipal debt stands at approximately R1.6 billion. This figure has further angered residents, who argue that the City has previously described Thembisa as one of the highest-paying areas in terms of municipal accounts.

Despite the engagement, community members expressed dissatisfaction with the address and have vowed to continue the shutdown until a written directive from the mayor is issued to formally halt pre-termination notices and ensure the restoration of electricity.

The situation remains tense, with further developments expected.