Cape Town – Tensions flared in Tembisa on Monday, as residents protested against recent electricity tariff hikes, resulting in the damage of two police vehicles, reports say.
The unrest erupted on Monday morning in response to new fixed monthly electricity fees introduced on 1 July — R109 for single-phase and over R200 for three-phase connections — which locals say are unaffordable.
Protesters blocked roads with debris, burned tyres, and clashed with police, who used rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The Streets of Tembisa are blocked, and the area is in chaos as residents protest against fixed electricity tariffs. Police fired rubber bullets to try to control the crowd. The protest targets new hikes approved by the City of Ekurhuleni for 2025/2026. pic.twitter.com/huL1X2kza2
— BEAST OF NEWS (@EversonLuhanga) July 21, 2025
Despite the heavy police presence, residents, especially the youth, continued to demonstrate, while the elderly supported by singing struggle songs.
The community described the increases as an insult amid economic hardship.
Residents in Tembisa have completely blocked all entry and exit points to protest the City of Ekurhuleni’s new fixed electricity tariffs for 2025/2026.
Residents are furious because these new rates were approved and will hit their wallets hard.
The shutdown is their way of… pic.twitter.com/Odvg9QbNiF
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 21, 2025
Residents of Tembisa have shut down entrances and exits to the area in protest of new fixed electricity tariffs introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni. The tariffs were approved for the 2025/2026 financial year. pic.twitter.com/jCptNUYEXQ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 21, 2025
[WATCH] Tensions are boiling over in Tembisa as residents protest against the recent electricity tariff increases. The protest is expected to severely affect traffic and public movement, particularly along the R21 highway and surrounding routes. Lumka Bekindawo has more.… pic.twitter.com/yX0wTS6Keq
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 21, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
