Thembisa Erupts Over Electricity Hike: Rubber Bullets, Roadblocks and Rising Tensions

Sparks Fly as Thembisa Rebels Against Fixed Tariffs

Early Monday morning, Thembisa’s streets were unrecognizable. Motorists hit walls of burning tires and jagged rocks as residents barricaded major entrances in fierce opposition to the City of Ekurhuleni’s new fixed electricity tariffs. Police responded with rubber bullets, and suddenly what began as a financial protest morphed into a high-stakes showdow. 

What Sparked the Outrage?

Starting July 1, the City implemented a fixed monthly electricity charge—R109.78 for single-phase connections and R203.89 for three-phase—regardless of consumption. The move hit households already stretched thin by unemployment, soaring living costs, and patchy service delivery. Community leaders argue this flat fee unfairly penalizes low-income families relying on minimal energy.

A History of Resistance

Thembisa isn’t new to this. In 2022, similar tariff changes ignited deadly riots, with at least four lives claimed and municipal buildings torched after protests turned violent. Though no deaths have been reported this time, the use of rubber bullets and stone-throwing underscores a roiling tension that refuses to simmer.

On the Ground Chaos

According to witnesses and local media:

• Barricades blocked key routes like Link Road, Sam Molele, and George Nyanga Drive, stranding early commuters and halting taxis.

• The Ekurhuleni Metro Police and SA Police Service are heavily deployed, urging drivers to avoid Thembisa. 

  Voices from the Community

  On social media platforms like X and Facebook, anger and urgency echoed. One resident demanded the removal of the fixed tariff, calling it “punishing for low‑use households”. Another grumbled that indigent relief is nearly impossible to access: “I was advised to apply…but it is impossible to access,” said pensioner Rose Matlala

  What’s Still Missing?

  Deeper context: Previous charges for free basics were 100 kWh but later cut to 50 kWh for qualifying indigent households—many of whom have yet to be approved due to bureaucratic obstacles.

  Unanswered questions: How many residents actually qualify for indigent support? And how quickly can they receive relief? The City has urged residents to apply online or at kiosks—but the opaque process remains a complaint.

  Source: SABC News

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