Tembisa Residents Shut Down Township in Protest Over Electricity Tariff Hike
Natalie Nyathi
Tembisa residents have brought the township to a standstill today, July 21, 2025, in a protest against the City of Ekurhuleni’s new electricity tariff hike. The protest began around midnight on Sunday and has caused major traffic delays and the suspension of taxi services, as people blocked roads with rocks, burning tires, and other debris.
The main issue for the protestors is the new fixed electricity tariff. Residents say it was introduced without proper consultation and is too expensive. One resident expressed frustration, saying they want the fixed tariff hike canceled. While they accepted the increase in charge per kilowatt approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, they find the additional fixed charges unacceptable. They argue that the City of Ekurhuleni did not follow the proper process and did not consult the community.
The City of Ekurhuleni, however, claims that the fixed charge follows national regulations and cost-recovery models. They say their electricity tariff structure is set by NERSA and that fixed charges are standard for municipalities. The city also offers subsidized options for low-income households, including free basic electricity.
The protest has heavily impacted transportation in Tembisa. Major roads, including Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, and Brian Mazibuko Drive, are blocked. The EMPD has warned drivers to avoid the area and find alternate routes.
EMPD spokesperson Katlego Mphalele stated that officers are monitoring the situation, and as of this morning, there have been no arrests or injuries reported.
This electricity tariff hike is part of a larger increase in municipal service charges in Ekurhuleni. The city council approved these increases for the 2025/2026 year, including a 13.40% rise for electricity, which will add about R330 to monthly bills. Water bills will also go up by 15%, refuse removal fees by 6%, and sanitation services by 10%.
Residents are also frustrated by inconsistencies between the tariffs approved by the Ekurhuleni metro council and those set by NERSA. Some residents have reported being overcharged for electricity. The Freedom Front Plus has mentioned that an incorrect basic charge was deducted upfront, resulting in residents receiving fewer units than they should.
The Tembisa Community Forum has criticized the electricity tariff increases and fixed charges, arguing that they hit low-income households hard, especially during tough economic times. They are demanding that the municipality cancel the tariff increases and have given it seven days to respond before taking further action.
