City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, joined by MMC for finance Nkululeko Dunga, has addressed the protesting community of Thembisa, announcing the suspension of the R126 monthly electricity charge that residents have been opposing.

Kempton Express reports the mayor encouraged residents to continue signing petitions, saying these would assist him in tabling the matter at the next council meeting to seek a resolution.

However, he did not provide further clarity on the wider electricity tariff increases implemented earlier this month, which remain in place.

Dunga pledged to the community that the City would revert with solutions within 14 days, promising to return to Thembisa to report back on the way forward.

In closing, Thembisa Community Forum chairperson Lelenkie Lefakane handed over the signed petitions to the mayor and questioned the timeframe of the suspension, stating it did not give the community confidence that the charges would be permanently scrapped.

@kemptonexpress

Thembisa Shutdown – July 21, 2025 Thembisa has come to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clash with police over electricity tariff hikes and ongoing service delivery failures. Thembisan journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, says sporadic gunfire can still be heard in parts of the township as police attempt to disperse protesters blocking roads. At this moment, City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has arrived at Rabasotho Community Centre, where the venue is packed with residents chanting and demonstrating to show their grievances. While tensions are high, no acts of violence have been seen, with the community united under one voice, demanding answers from the mayor on: Increased electricity tariffs Households left without electricity What the money paid by Thembisa residents to the City each month is being used for, as the area continues to face poor service delivery. The mayor is yet to address the furious community of Thembisa. All roads, exit points, and e-hailing services in Thembisa remain shut as the shutdown continues. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as disruptions may continue if tensions escalate. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. #TiktokNews #Thembisa #tembisashutdown #policeofficer #EMPD #cityofekurhuleni #Protest #HappeningNow

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Clashes with police

Residents have indicated they will monitor the City’s response while continuing to demand accountability on tariff hikes and service delivery failures affecting Thembisa households.

Thembisa came to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clashed with police over electricity tariff hikes and service delivery issues.

Kempton Express’ sister paper, The Thembisan, journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, earlier said sporadic gunfire could be heard in parts of the township as police attempted to disperse protesters blocking roads.

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