Electricity disconnection protest brings Tembisa to standstill

Tembisa residents, in the City of Ekurhuleni, have brought the township to a standstill on Monday morning.

They are protesting electricity disconnections due to non-payment of electricity bills.

The demonstration has seen the closure of key routes including Brian Mazibuko Drive, RTJ Namane Drive and the larger Emfihlweni area.

This has thwarted the movement of general motorists, e-hailing operators, buses and taxis.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative roads where possible.

Members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) took to the scene to monitor the situation and ensure the public’s safety.

The Tembisa Community Forum has since issued a statement detailing their demands.

Thees include the immediate restoration of electricity, revisiting the indigent policy and scrapping of debts and notices .

“Cancel all existing debts and notices issued to participants of the deemed and Indigent programs. These debts are unjust burdens on households already recognised as indigent, and their removal is necessary to restore trust and justice,” reads the statement.