Residents in Tembisa have blocked several roads with burning tyres and rubble, allowing only police vehicles and ambulances to pass. The protest, which includes elderly residents, young people, and school-going children, is directed at what demonstrators describe as harsh credit control by the City of Ekurhuleni.
At the centre of the unrest are electricity disconnections linked to unpaid rates and taxes. Many residents say they are struggling to keep up with rising municipal bills, especially water charges.
A resident and property owner, who asked not to be named, said that although they make monthly payments, their debt does not seem to decrease.
