By Nkhensani Chauke
Executive mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has suspended the implementation of a new fixed electricity tariff charge of R126.00 (including VAT) in Ekurhuleni following protests in Tembisa, where residents voiced strong opposition to the charge.
This comes after several main access routes in Tembisa were blocked with burning tyres on Sunday night, prompting a heavy police and metro police presence to maintain order.
“The Office of the Executive Mayor acknowledges the recent protest action in Tembisa related to the introduction of a fixed electricity tariff charge,” the City of Ekurhuleni said in a statement.
“Suspension of Fixed Charge Tariff In light of the prevailing circumstances, and following extensive consultation with key stakeholders as well as a thorough assessment of potential risks, the Executive Mayor has resolved to suspend the implementation of the fixed electricity tariff charge of R126.00 (including VAT), with immediate effect across Ekurhuleni.”
In alignment with commitments made during the 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA), the City of Ekurhuleni has implemented a comprehensive social support package designed specifically to assist vulnerable and financially distressed residents
As part of this package, a dedicated Debt Rehabilitation Scheme has been introduced to support over-indebted residents facing genuine financial hardship. The programme offers qualifying households the opportunity to have their municipal debt written off, provided they meet specific criteria and continue to make regular payments going forward.
In addition, the City has implemented an immediate relief measure by waiving the R1,500 (excluding VAT) service connection charge previously imposed on residents affected by cable theft. This initiative seeks to ease financial strain and encourage the safe regularisation and restoration of electricity services.
Furthermore, the City will waive tampering charges for a limited period—from 1 July to 30 September 2025—as part of a once-off amnesty initiative. This temporary waiver allows residents to regularise their municipal connections without incurring penalties.
The City further explained that, in line with national regulatory requirements and directives from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), it periodically reviews electricity tariffs through detailed Cost of Supply studies.
“The recently reviewed tariff structure, which introduced a fixed charge prescribed by NERSA, was implemented as part of this standard regulatory process. It is intended to support infrastructure maintenance, long-term sustainability of electricity supply, and equitable distribution of operational costs. This included a fixed tariff charge under Category A for lower consumption users, particularly Category A2, which applies to single-phase non-indigent households,” it said.
The city called on all residents to remain calm, exercise restraint, and participate constructively in upcoming consultative processes.
“The City calls upon all residents to remain calm, exercise restraint, and participate constructively and peacefully in the forthcoming consultative processes. The municipality remains fully committed to engaging robustly with residents regarding electricity tariffs and broader service delivery concerns; however, it must be firmly reiterated that acts of violence, vandalism, and criminality cannot and will not be tolerated. Such conduct will be met with swift and decisive legal action,” it said.
Tembisa residents protested outside the Rabasotho Community Centre over the electricity tariff. PHOTO: Eddie Mtsweni
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