{"id":17358,"date":"2025-07-22T09:17:23","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T07:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=17358"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:12:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:12:49","slug":"ekurhuleni-mayor-freezes-electricity-tariff-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ekurhuleni-mayor-freezes-electricity-tariff-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"Ekurhuleni Suspends Fixed Electricity Tariff After Tembisa Protests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Residents of Ekurhuleni welcomed a rare break this July as Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced the immediate suspension of the R126 fixed electricity tariff charge. The city acted swiftly in response to widespread protests in Tembisa, where people voiced anger over rising living costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2024\/09\/05\/ekurhuleni-offers-year-end-incentive-to-join-grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ekurhuleni Offers Year-End Incentive for Households with Illegal Power Connections to Join Grid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mayor Xhakaza said in his official release: \u201cThe suspension aims to enable comprehensive, inclusive, and orderly engagement with affected communities\u201d. \u201cWe must systematically and effectively address the legitimate concerns raised by residents while reducing the likelihood of a repeat of the destructive and violent events that we saw in Tembisa in 2022.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"city-follows-regulators-guidelines-in-setting-tari\">City Follows Regulator\u2019s Guidelines in Setting Tariffs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ekurhuleni created the R126 fixed charge as part of its latest tariff structure, following directives from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The city explained that the charge would help cover infrastructure maintenance and support long-term electricity sustainability, especially for lower-consumption users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, many residents felt the new tariff unfairly burdened households already struggling with high unemployment and inflation. The timing of the tariff sparked immediate resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2000101244\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"protests-in-tembisa-highlight-community-frustratio\">Protests in Tembisa Highlight Community Frustration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The recent protests in Tembisa brought back memories of the violent unrest in 2022, which caused severe property damage and tragic loss of life. Although the city understands residents\u2019 frustration, Mayor Xhakaza emphasized the importance of engaging peacefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe remain fully committed to engaging robustly with residents on tariffs and broader service delivery concerns,\u201d he said. \u201cHowever, we must clearly state that we will act decisively against violence, vandalism, and criminality. Such conduct will not go unchallenged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He stressed the need to separate genuine protest from illegal acts. \u201cWe will not tolerate anyone exploiting legitimate grievances for criminal purposes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"immediate-changes-to-electricity-bills\">Immediate Changes to Electricity Bills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ekurhuleni has suspended the R126 fixed charge and begun updating its billing system. The city will submit the decision for formal endorsement by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council. After approval, officials plan to hold structured public consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-140598077\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"city-launches-broad-social-relief-package\">City Launches Broad Social Relief Package<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ekurhuleni has introduced new measures to help vulnerable residents, as announced in the 2025 State of the City Address. The city has revised property value thresholds to extend relief, offering more households access to support programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A debt rehabilitation program allows qualifying over-indebted residents to write off their debt if they keep up future payments. The city has also raised the indigent threshold, enabling more vulnerable families to access free basic services and additional benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city has dropped the R1,500 service connection fee for residents affected by cable theft. From July to September 2025, residents caught tampering with meters can regularise their connections without facing penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mayor Xhakaza reiterated his commitment to social justice. \u201cThese targeted social interventions reflect our sustained efforts to deliver fair services and meaningful support to those most affected by current economic conditions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"next-steps-public-consultation-and-engagement\">Next Steps: Public Consultation and Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The suspension marks a pause, not a cancellation. Official public engagement will shape future tariff decisions. \u201cOur priority remains finding an equitable, sustainable, long-term solution that protects residents\u2019 interests and maintains the financial health of our municipal services,\u201d Mayor Xhakaza said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He urged residents to engage constructively. \u201cWe ask all residents to remain calm and participate constructively in our planned consultative processes. The utility will base ultimate resolution on input from the community,\u201d he added. \u201cWe remain committed to transparent, accountable leadership and ensuring that every community voice has value in this process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-252400194\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stay-informed-and-get-involved\">Stay Informed and Get Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents should attend Ekurhuleni\u2019s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation sessions and public hearings. The city will share updates on <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ekurhuleni.gov.za\/\">ekurhuleni.gov.za<\/a> and its social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Send petitions to encourage council and mayoral committee consideration. As Mayor Xhakaza put it, \u201cWe need your petitions so we can take your concerns to council and return with a lasting solution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"questions-and-answers\">Questions and Answers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why did Ekurhuleni introduce the fixed charge?<\/strong><br>The city levied the charge in line with national regulations to cover infrastructure and operational costs, but many residents found it unaffordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is the charge now gone for good?<\/strong><br>No. Ekurhuleni has suspended the charge pending further consultation and council approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I access indigent support or debt relief?<\/strong><br>Visit your local municipal office or the city website for eligibility and application details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1525934290\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"closing-message-from-mayor-xhakaza\">Closing Message From Mayor Xhakaza<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSome have no interest in finding lasting solutions, but this administration will always listen and respond to the genuine needs of our people,\u201d Mayor Xhakaza said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tariff suspension shows the city\u2019s willingness to listen and respond to public pressure. Moving forward, transparent communication, inclusive consultation, and targeted relief will help build a more resilient and fair Ekurhuleni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For media inquiries, contact Acting Mayoral Spokesperson Mr. Ramatolo Tlotleng at 074 478 4403 or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:ramatolo.tlotleng@ekurhuleni.gov.za\">ramatolo.tlotleng@ekurhuleni.gov.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ekurhuleni\u2019s mayor freezes the 2024\/25 electricity tariff increase after strong public protests in Thembisa. Learn how this decision affects local residents and what it means for municipal service delivery.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":17360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Ekurhuleni\u2019s mayor freezes the 2024\/25 electricity tariff increase after strong public protests in Thembisa. Learn how this decision affects local residents and what it means for municipal service delivery.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[564],"class_list":{"0":"post-17358","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-ekurhuleni"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17358"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17503,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17358\/revisions\/17503"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}