Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement demands better communication from City Power
There’s mixed reaction over City Power’s attempt to resolve long-standing billing challenges, with the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement concerned with communication.
Although City Power’s Midrand Service Delivery Centre continues to assist Mayibuye Park residents with registering for free basic electricity (FBE) and meter audits, the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement is unhappy with what it calls: ‘poor communication’.
The movement’s Thapelo Nkoane said people were registering, but they were witnessing a shortage of attendance from members because there was no formal communication. “This is the same problem that we have been crying about. It’s form of communication is not reaching the entire community. A lot of people don’t know and don’t understand what this programme is about. They came before, and we told them, for them to reach the entire community, they need a broader community engagement.”
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He said City Power needs to widen their communication and not limit it only to WhatsApp and other social media platforms. “If it means City Power calling a community meeting, then let it be so, because the aim is to ensure the message is received by all community members.”
As of July 15, to 18, the power utility will be in the area, attending to issues related to meters that are not vending or accepting electricity units and registering qualifying customers for FBE.
@caxtonjoburgnorth City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena speaks at Mayibuye Park in the Mayibuye township on July 15, 2025. Video: City Power #midrandreporter #caxtonlocalmedia #mayibuyepark #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
In a statement released by City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, this process of addressing billing discrepancies forms part of resetting their relationship with customers. “In essence, we understand the frustrations many residents have endured due to past billing inaccuracies, and this takeover is an opportunity to reset our relationship with customers, not just administratively, but emotionally and operationally. We’re asking residents to give us the chance to do better and rebuild this trust… One accurate bill at a time.”
Tshifularo Mashava, City Power’s CEO, added that to underscore this important transition, the entity reaffirmed its commitment to putting customers at the centre of its operations. “This handover marks a turning point in how we serve our customers. By taking full ownership of the billing function, we are not only improving accountability; we’re placing the power of transparency and service directly into the hands of our customers.”
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