The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed that City Power’s ongoing delays in restoring electricity are now placing ward councillors’ lives at risk, as service delivery protests erupt.
English soundbite by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku
Wards 66 and 118 in Region F have experienced intermittent power outages for almost two weeks. These failures have escalated community frustration, leaving ward councillors exposed on the ground while City Power fails to act with urgency.
On 17 January 2026, DA Johannesburg Ward 66 Councillor Carlos Da Rocha faced threats from the community due to prolonged power outages. Despite being in distress, JMPD failed to respond immediately. Only the intervention of the Speaker of Council and the Regional Director prevented the situation from escalating.
City Power’s claims of “enhanced communication” are meaningless when councillors are forced to beg for intervention while being trapped between community anger and municipal inaction.
This is not an isolated incident. In Region E, repeated JMPD non-response has required intervention by the MMC for Public Safety before action is taken.
In terms of Sections 152 and 195 of the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act, the City is legally obliged to deliver services responsibly and protect those carrying out their constitutional duties. That obligation is being violated.
The DA demands immediate restoration of power in affected wards, a clear JMPD rapid-response protocol for councillors under threat, and accountability from City Power management.
Ward councillors cannot be used as human shields for municipal failure. The DA will continue to fight for residents, and for the safety of those who serve them.