Violent protests erupt in South Africa over electricity crisis

• Published date: 17 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Growing frustration over the worsening energy situation in South Africa is seeing residents call for a national shutdown.

Yesterday, residents of Boksburg took to the streets to protest long hours of power cuts.

TimesLive, local news site, reports that roads in Boksburg were blocked with burning tyres and rocks.

The protest was at the corner of Rondebult road and the R554 between Dawn Park and Klippoortjie in the city.

'The road has been barricaded by protesters due to a service delivery protest that started earlier this morning. We have SAPS and EMPD monitoring the scene,' TimesLive quoted Deliwe Ndlovu, police spokesperson, to have said.

'Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid further delays.'

This is not the first time Boksburg is witnessing violent protests as protests over poor services occur regularly in South Africa.

In 2018, residents blocked off a major route with stones and burning tyres over 'illegal' use of electricity from neighbouring areas.

Soweto has also recorded violent protests over electricity. In 2021, several roads were cordoned off with rocks and stones by residents over a lack of electricity supply.

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