In response to community protests over rising electricity costs, Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the decision to scrap the controversial R200 surcharge on electricity tariffs. However, the mayor clarified during a media briefing that the move still requires final approval from the municipal council.
The announcement came after Mayor Xhakaza engaged with frustrated residents of Thembisa, where widespread dissatisfaction over the additional fee had sparked demonstrations. The proposed removal of the surcharge is seen as a direct response to public outcry over affordability and service delivery challenges.
Cable Theft and Security Measures
During the briefing, the mayor also addressed another critical issue affecting electricity supply in the region—cable theft. He described the problem as highly organized, with thieves often armed and possessing insider knowledge of infrastructure layouts.
“We believe some of those stealing cables are people who have worked with these systems before,” Xhakaza said. “They know exactly where our cables are laid.”
To combat the issue, the city plans to collaborate with the Community Safety Department to establish a specialized task force. Additionally, the municipality is exploring early warning technology to detect and prevent cable theft before it happens.
Next Steps
While the scrapping of the R200 surcharge marks a potential victory for residents, the mayor emphasized that the decision is not yet final. Council approval is still needed before the change can be implemented.
Residents and stakeholders are awaiting further updates as the city works to address both tariff concerns and infrastructure security.
