Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza meets community leaders in Tembisa following the suspension of protests over electricity disconnections.
Image: Supplied
The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has welcomed the decision by community stakeholders to suspend the Tembisa protest, describing it as a critical step toward restoring stability after days of disruption triggered by electricity disconnections.
The unrest saw residents barricade roads with burning tyres and debris in protest against the metro’s intensified credit control campaign, amid complaints that registered indigent and deemed indigent households had also been affected.
In response, Xhakaza ordered the immediate suspension of pre-termination and termination notices, as well as a halt to disconnections involving indigent and deemed indigent residents, pending further assessment.
“This decision reflects the constructive spirit of engagement and the shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and sustainable solutions. It affirms that through meaningful consultation and dialogue, we can address community concerns without disrupting livelihoods, schooling, business activity, and essential municipal services.”
He said the suspension of the protest creates space for “structured engagement, technical assessment, and the implementation of practical interventions," adding, "Our focus remains on restoring trust, strengthening governance processes, and ensuring equitable service delivery to all residents of Tembisa.”
To demonstrate urgency, Xhakaza said the city manager and the group chief financial officer will be deployed on the ground in Tembisa to address the issues directly.
“In addition, the mayoral committee has been deployed to inspect the processes undertaken, ensuring accountability, policy compliance, and immediate corrective action where required,” he added.
A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, in Kempton Park to assess progress, clarify outstanding matters, and agree on a way forward, as the City of Ekurhuleni reiterates its commitment to transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving.
The Star
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