ONGOING PROTEST IN THEMBA KHOZA, REPUBLIC ROAD BLOCKED

The residents of Themba Khoza Informal Settlement in Ward 111 near Kaalfontein have taken to the streets since last night, 21 August 2025, demanding the formalisation of their community to secure access to basic services such as electricity and water.

Angry residents say their calls for electricity have been ignored by their Ward Councillor for years. Tensions escalated after they were apparently told that the land they occupy belongs to a private company, ValueMax, and that they would be relocated.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, reportedly promised residents they would be moved to land near Rabie Ridge. However, that land has since been occupied by others. Mabaso was unreachable at the time of publishing.

Republic Road was blocked this morning as part of the ongoing protest action, preventing motorists from reaching their destinations and forcing small businesses in the area to close. The protest has also seen at least two community members arrested, further fuelling anger.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Sub-Region A released a statement sympathising with the plight of the residents. The party has called on the City of Johannesburg to intervene urgently and provide a permanent solution.

“It cannot be that residents are left without basic services, facing constant displacement, while their livelihoods and dignity are compromised,” said Saseka Lorraine Zitha, Spokesperson for EFF Sub-Region A.

The EFF stressed that the situation has reached a crisis point and urged the Housing MMC and the City of Johannesburg to restore dignity and stability for the residents.

For now, uncertainty remains high in Themba Khoza, with residents vowing to continue their protest until their demands are heard.