Tembisa protests escalate, DA accuses Ekurhuleni mayor of abusing powers

By Thapelo Molefe

Residents in Tembisa barricaded major roads with burning tyres and rocks on Monday as protests over electricity disconnections and alleged overbilling intensified, prompting a political clash inside the City of Ekurhuleni.

Several roads, including Brian Mazibuko Drive and RTJ Namane Drive, were affected, with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service deployed to monitor the situation and maintain public order.

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Residents say they are protesting against harsh credit control measures by the metro, including intensified electricity disconnections, termination notices and ongoing billing disputes. Some community members allege they have been overcharged for months and left without water and electricity.

“We are not backing down until a solution comes out,” one resident said during the protest.

The unrest follows a statement issued by Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza on