* Editor's note: This is a developing story.
JOHANNESBURG - Roads have been shut down in Thembisa as residents take to the streets in protest over what they describe as harsh credit control measures by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
Residents have threatened mass protests over electricity disconnections linked to non-payment.
Roads closed off to taxis, e-hailing services and buses include Andrew Mapheto Drive, Dan Nkabinde Drive and Rev. R.T.J. Namane Drive.
Tembisa is at a complete standstill this morning as the community shutdown intensifies.
- No taxis operating
- No e-hailing services available
- Major routes blocked
- Burning tyres and barricades reported
Key roads affected include:
-Andrew Mapheto Drive
-Dan Nkabinde Drive… pic.twitter.com/FNSlYDqCcl— #PutSouthAfricansfirst (@Patriot_S_A) February 23, 2026
WATCH | Thembisa residents force suspension of electricity hikes
The protests come as the municipality increases electricity disconnections for unpaid accounts, with more termination notices issued to residents.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said in a statement that electricity disconnections affecting indigent households will be temporarily suspended pending a comprehensive investigation.
The city said internal processes will continue to address concerns from Monday until Friday, 27 February.
"We will restore electricity for those disconnected households that were registered as indigent according to the City's criteria," Xhakaza said.