Ekurhuleni halts power cut-offs as Thembisa prepares for shutdown

The streets of Thembisa are expected to fill with protesters on Monday, but on Sunday night, City Hall blinked first.

Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, mayor of Ekurhuleni, has ordered an immediate suspension of electricity disconnections in the township, following mounting anger over power cut-offs, termination notices and the city’s indigent policy.

The decision comes just hours before residents plan a community shutdown.

A community pushed to the edge

In recent weeks, frustration has been simmering in Thembisa. Many households, particularly those classified as indigent or “deemed indigent”, say they were blindsided by electricity disconnections and notices threatening termination of services.

For families already grappling with unemployment and rising living costs, losing power is more than an inconvenience. It means no hot meals, no light for schoolwork, no way to run small home businesses that many rely on to survive.

On local WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages, residents have been vocal. Some argue the city’s indigent support system is riddled with administrative gaps, leaving vulnerable families exposed. Others say they support paying for services but only when billing systems are fair and functional.

Mayor steps in

According to acting mayoral spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng, the mayor has engaged ward councillors and community representatives following consultations over the looming protest.

The immediate instruction: halt electricity disconnections and stop issuing pre-termination and termination notices to households registered as indigent or deemed indigent.

The pause will allow for internal administrative processes to unfold over the coming week. In addition, the city has committed to progressively restoring electricity to qualifying households that were disconnected.

A review of the indigent policy

Beyond the short-term relief, the municipality has pledged a review of its indigent policy. The aim, according to city officials, is to ensure it reflects the socio-economic realities facing vulnerable residents.

There is also talk of scrapping outstanding debt for registered indigent households subject to verification and policy alignment.

The mayor has emphasised that while the city must uphold a culture of payment to remain financially sustainable, it also has a constitutional duty to protect its most vulnerable residents.

It’s a delicate balancing act one many South African municipalities are struggling to manage.

Transport will continue

As tensions build, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has confirmed that taxi services in Thembisa will continue operating.

Spokesperson Patrick Mncube said taxis will run as normal, albeit cautiously, depending on conditions on the ground. Santaco has called on law enforcement to ensure safety while respecting residents’ right to peaceful protest.

For many commuters, that assurance offers some stability in what could otherwise be a disruptive day.

More than just a local dispute

Thembisa’s situation reflects a broader national pattern. Across Gauteng and beyond, municipalities are tightening credit control measures to recover billions in unpaid bills. At the same time, communities argue that weak administration, faulty billing systems and poor service delivery undermine the moral case for strict enforcement.

The shutdown threat may have prompted swift action this time. But residents will be watching closely to see whether the review leads to lasting change or simply buys the city breathing room.

On Monday, Thembisa will make its voice heard. Whether that voice leads to meaningful reform remains to be seen.