Xhakaza Barricaded By Protesters During Emergency Tariff Meeting

High-Stakes Standoff

TEMBISA, 21 July 2025 - Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza's heavily armored 10-vehicle EMPD convoy barely managed to penetrate Tembisa's protest barricades today, as residents maintain their vow to continue demonstrations until the controversial electricity tariff hikes are fully reversed. The mayor's crisis meeting with ward counselors and community leaders is proceeding under unprecedented security, with protesters encircling the venue and police maintaining a tense perimeter.

READ: Municipalities in Crisis: The R126 Fixed Charge Debate and South Africa's Electricity Dilemma

Volatile Ground Situation

The township remains in lockdown with:

• All major arteries blocked by burning tires and stone barricades
• Multiple reports of projectiles being hurled at passing vehicles
• EMPD riot control units strategically deployed in five-vehicle clusters
• Journalists being forced to operate under police protection

Security forces are struggling to maintain order while avoiding further escalation of violence.

Behind Closed Doors

The emergency negotiations involve three critical working groups:

1. Finance Department officials scrambling to restructure the controversial tariff system
2. Energy Department technicians urgently addressing chronic service delivery failures
3. Interfaith mediators attempting to bridge the divide between municipal officials and community representatives

These talks follow 17 unsuccessful petitions since January protesting:

• The 13.4% municipal surcharge
• 11% Eskom base increase
• Aggressive disconnection campaigns against defaulting households

READ: Tembisa Erupts in Protest Over 'Crippling' 24.4% Combined Electricity Hike

Resident Testimony

"They cut our power while raising prices - how must we survive?" demanded one protester, capturing the community's desperation. Many residents express confusion about the implementation mechanics of the compounded 24.4% increase, with most unaware of how the municipal and Eskom hikes interact. This information vacuum has further fueled public outrage and mistrust.

The standoff continues as both sides dig in their positions, with community leaders warning of prolonged unrest unless concrete solutions emerge from today's negotiations. Municipal officials face mounting pressure to deliver immediate relief measures while maintaining the metro's financial sustainability.