Ekurhuleni's Xhakaza calls for calm in wake of violent protests in Tembisa
No new incidents or damage was reported since Monday's unrest, as residents start applying for the municipality's relief programmes to help with their bills.
The protests erupted on Monday morning, when hundreds blocked roads with rubble, set tyres alight and clashed with police over the introduction of a R126 fixed charge on electricity bills.
The angry protests left roads blocked, tyres torched and dozens injured as police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
ALSO READ:
• IN PICS: Tembisa residents block streets in protest over electricity tariffs
• At least a dozen Tembisa residents injured in running battles with Ekurhuleni police
• Two police vehicles damaged during Tembisa protest
Mayor Xhakaza has now formally suspended the fixed tariff, citing the need for more public engagement and to prevent a repeat of the 2022 violence that claimed lives and destroyed property.
The suspension will remain in place until the municipal council can ratify it and a new plan is developed.
Xhakaza has also announced a range of social relief measures, including debt relief schemes, expanded indigent support, waivers on connection and tampering fees and a revised property value threshold to help vulnerable households.
In a statement, he urged residents to remain calm and to engage peacefully in the upcoming consultations.
Police remain deployed across the area, but with no new incidents reported, the focus now shifts to talks and relief efforts.
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