TENSE IN TEMBISA

Mayor’s Convoy Blocked as Electricity Protests Escalate

Tensions remain high in Tembisa this afternoon as many streets are still blocked following a total shutdown over new fixed electricity tariffs introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni.

Despite calls for calm from Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, protestors have intensified their action, going as far as blocking the mayor’s convoy and banging on one of his vehicles as he attempted to engage with residents at Rabashotho Community Hall.

“We urge residents to remain calm while we look into this matter,” Mayor Xhakaza said earlier.

But residents say it’s too little, too late. They demand immediate reversal of the tariff hike, claiming they were never consulted.

Earlier in the day, roads across Tembisa were blocked with burning tyres and debris, bringing traffic to a halt and drawing a heavy EMPD response. Rubber bullets and tear gas were used to disperse crowds, but the situation remains volatile.

The City of Ekurhuleni has yet to issue a formal statement on the proposed way forward.

This is a developing story.