Ekurhuleni Mayor Halts Electricity Disconnections Ahead Of Thembisa Shutdown Protest

Residents in Thembisa are preparing for a community shutdown on Monday over electricity disconnections, termination notices and concerns surrounding the city’s indigent policy.

In response, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has pledged to engage “constructively with affected residents” and ordered an immediate suspension of electricity disconnections.

Acting mayoral spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng said the mayor had taken note of the planned protest and the issues raised by residents.

“Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including ward councillors and community representatives, the executive mayor acknowledges the seriousness of the issues brought forward and affirms the city’s commitment to engaging constructively with affected residents.”

Electricity Disconnections Suspended As City Reviews Indigent Policy

With tensions rising ahead of the shutdown, Xhakaza instructed that electricity disconnections and the issuing of pre-termination and termination notices to indigent and deemed indigent households be stopped with immediate effect.

“This is to allow the administrative process to unfold for further internal processing that shall begin tomorrow, 23 February 2026, until Friday, 27 February 2026.

“We will progressively begin with the restoration of electricity to households that have been disconnected, particularly those registered as indigent and deemed indigent according to the city’s criteria,” Tlotleng said on Sunday.

The city has also committed to reviewing its indigent policy to ensure it is fair and aligned with the socio-economic realities facing vulnerable communities. In addition, a process will be initiated to scrap outstanding debt for registered indigent and deemed indigent households, subject to verification and policy alignment.

“The executive mayor emphasises that while the city must maintain a culture of payment for services to ensure sustainability, it equally carries a constitutional obligation to protect the most vulnerable members of society,” Tlotleng said.

“No qualifying indigent household should be deprived of basic services due to administrative shortcomings or policy gaps.”

Tlotleng urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigative and review processes to proceed.

Santaco Confirms Taxi Services Will Operate During Thembisa Shutdown

Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) confirmed that taxi operations in Thembisa would continue despite the planned protest.

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“Taxi services will operate as normal, with caution, and will be guided by conditions on the ground. Commuters who require transport and can move safely will be transported,” said Santaco spokesperson Patrick Mncube.

“We call on law enforcement to ensure the safety of passengers, operators, and all community members. While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we also affirm the right of residents to access essential transport services.”

Santaco also appealed for calm as the community prepares for Monday’s action.