Tembisa riots allegedly spurred by electricity tariffs, lack of indigent relief

When Tembisa exploded last week, resulting in four deaths, the Ekurhuleni mayor said she believed the protest was aimed at making the township “ungovernable” for the DA-led multi-party coalition.

But there were protests too in Geluksdal, where people burnt tyres and blocked roads, and complaints voiced in Kwathema and Tsakane.

One of the main causes of the unrest was that until May this year, all residents in Ekurhuleni used to get their first 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity free. But this was adjusted, the municipality says, when it implemented a National Treasury directive for which only indigent households with an income of less than R3,500 a month can qualify. The free allowance for qualifying households is now 50kWh per month, with six kilolitres of water, free sewage services and indigent burials.

The municipality says the change was communicated in the budget speech, on social media, media platforms and its website. Ward councillors were also meant to tell their constituents.

The process of applying for indigent relief started before the cut-off was made, but many were struggling to fulfil the application process and others were sitting in the dark awaiting approval.

As a result, weeks after the new policy was implemented, there were widespread protests and, in response, tear gas and rubber bullets. Protesters demanded that historic debt be scrapped, tariffs lowered, and the free 100kWh of electricity for all households brought back.

Many residents have been living without electricity because they cannot afford basic services, have historic debt, or have fallen behind on their payments.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that in order to qualify for the free 50kWh allowance, people need to first apply at a municipal office with copies of their ID, proof of residence and proof of income. After filling out forms, a social worker is then assigned to investigate and authenticate the application. As soon as the application is approved, residents immediately qualify for free basic services. This should take about a month.