By Dylan Bettencourt
- Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza gives in and suspends the R126 fixed electricity fee after a violent protest in Thembisa where angry residents burnt tyres.
- Police fire rubber bullets at furious crowds, with taxis stopping and major roads completely shut down.
The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has been forced to suspend the R126 fixed electricity fee, but only for now, after violent protests rocked Thembisa.
He told furious residents outside Rabasotho Hall that the charge would be put on hold while talks are held with Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
“We are going to engage with stakeholders and discuss other issues,” said Xhakaza.
He begged for time to allow officials to work out a solution.
Angry residents protested against high electricity bills from early Monday morning. Police fired rubber bullets at the crowds, and the situation stayed dangerous throughout the day.
Xhakaza has called an emergency meeting with energy and finance departments, councillors, civic groups and community leaders. A follow-up meeting is set for 11am on 21 July.
His spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng said the mayor is deeply worried about the anger and has promised to be open in solving the problem.
“We urge calm and a stop to the protest,” she said.
By midnight Sunday, protesters had already started blocking roads with burning tyres, rocks and even mobile toilets. Taxis stopped running and many routes, including Link Road, Sam Molele Drive and Jabu Mdunge Drive, were completely shut down.
One angry protester told metro police: “The fixed charge and the deductions from our electricity, we want all of that scrapped.”
Metro police said no arrests or injuries were reported by midday, but warned drivers to stay away from the area.
The suspension comes after huge anger from residents who say the fixed charge is making their electricity bills impossible to pay.
Pictured above: Protesters block roads in Thembisa.
Image source: Supplied
