Parts of the Soweto Highway traffic lights have been destroyed by residents of Soweto in Gauteng who barricaded the Soweto highway in protest against electricity disconnection in the area.
Around 700 customers had their electricity disconnected and were issued a reconnection fee of R 6,000 for the non-payment of electricity.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department Spokesperson Wayne Minnaar has advised motorists to use alternate routes.
Minnaar says, “Protestors have blocked off Soweto Highway at Imming Drive in Diepsloot Soweto this morning (Wednesday). Motorists will have to use alternative routes. Motorists can use Rancho Road as alternate routes this morning. Officers are monitoring the situation.”
Last week, African National Congress (ANC) councillor for Ward 29 in Soweto, Brenda Dammie, described as a misconception, the narrative that residents of the township do not want to pay for electricity.
Dammie said none of the residents is asking for free electricity. “Our people in Soweto are ready to pay and Eskom must come on board and discuss with the people. Nobody says they don’t want to pay, nobody says they want to use electricity without paying. During the time of our former Mayor Geoff Makhubo, may his soul rest in peace, we marched and many questions were asked because Eskom is arrogant.”