Power cut protests force city of Ekurhuleni to halt disconnections

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Cape Town – Residents of Thembisa staged protests over electricity disconnections, termination notices, and rising service costs, prompting swift intervention from the City of Ekurhuleni.

Acting on the concerns, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza instructed an immediate halt to disconnections for indigent and deemed indigent households.

In an official statement obtained from the mayor’s office, Xhakaza said,  “With immediate effect, the Executive Mayor has instructed the relevant departments to halt the issuing of pre-termination and termination letters and the disconnection of indigent and deemed indigent households pending a comprehensive investigation into the concerns raised.”

The mayor also confirmed that the city would progressively restore electricity to households that had already been disconnected, particularly those registered as indigent. The statement added: “Undertake a review of the City’s indigent policy to ensure that it is fair, responsive, and aligned with the socio-economic realities facing vulnerable communities.”

The Citizen reported that protests in Thembisa involved road blockages and burning of tyres, causing disruptions to schools, hospitals, and transport routes.

Local residents voiced frustration over electricity affordability and inconsistencies in the city’s service delivery, describing the situation as unsustainable.

Xhakaza emphasized the balance between maintaining a culture of payment for services and protecting vulnerable citizens: “No qualifying indigent household should be deprived of basic services due to administrative shortcomings or policy gaps.”

Residents were urged to remain calm and allow investigative processes to unfold, as authorities committed to continued dialogue and structured engagement to ensure stability and social justice within the community.

According to eNCA, the city’s immediate actions aim to prevent further unrest while ensuring that electricity restoration and policy reviews address the socio-economic challenges faced by affected households. The mayor’s office reiterated that governance in Ekurhuleni is guided by fairness, accountability, and responsiveness to the people.

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