TZANEEN – Schools, businesses, shops, restaurants, and taxis in Nkowankowa and surrounding areas were forced to close as the Tzaneen Concerned Group staged a total shutdown on Monday, blocking major roads, including the R36 to Tzaneen.

The protest follows months of persistent power outages and water shortages affecting Nkowankowa, Lenyenye, Mariveni, Petanenge, and nearby communities.

Since June last year, residents have endured daily four-hour load reduction periods, typically from 05:00-07:00 and 17:00-19:00. Water shortages have also left some areas without supply for days.

Frustrated by the lack of progress in addressing these issues, residents took to the streets, using trees, rocks, and burning tyres to disrupt movement. Public transport was also affected, with the Nkowankowa Taxi Association suspending operations to avoid potential risks, leaving commuters stranded.

The Tzaneen Concerned Group said they had repeatedly raised concerns over service delivery failures, but municipal officials had failed to address them.

“We have tried to voice our frustrations about power outages, but the municipal council keeps ignoring us. Load reduction and water shortages are affecting our daily lives, and our cries continue to fall on deaf ears,” the group stated.

The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has called for constructive engagement between community representatives and Eskom to find solutions.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have been clearing roadblocks during the day, but protesters have reportedly reblocked roads at night.

On Tuesday, Nkowankowa Taxi Rank queue marshall Jimmy Shivambu appealed to protesters to allow taxis to operate.

“I saw a heavily pregnant woman stranded while trying to get to Letaba Hospital. People like her should be allowed to travel. The taxi industry is also suffering losses,” he said.

As of Tuesday, Nkowankowa remained without water, while Section A endured six-hour power outages.

This is a developing story, and the Herald will continue to provide updates.