Frustrated residents of Mangaung are set to march to the offices of power utility CENTLEC today to deliver a memorandum detailing their grievances, including allegations of corruption, unfair dismissals, and unaffordable electricity tariffs.
The protest, led by the South African Communist Party (SACP) alongside community members, follows long-standing complaints about mismanagement within the utility. Among the key demands are the removal of CENTLEC’s CEO, a reduction in electricity tariffs, and the disbandment of the utility’s board.
Residents allege rampant nepotism, irregular appointments, and corruption within CENTLEC. Some former employees claim they were unfairly dismissed without proper procedures, while others accuse senior officials of scamming job seekers out of money—a matter that has previously led to arrests.
Additionally, the community is calling on the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to intervene in CENTLEC’s hiring processes, claiming favoritism and a lack of transparency. Many residents say they struggle to afford electricity, with current tariffs leaving them without power before month-end.
CENTLEC’s spokesperson has previously faced scrutiny over irregularities within the utility, but it remains unclear how the company will respond to today’s memorandum.
The march highlights growing discontent over service delivery and governance in the region, with residents demanding immediate action. Updates on the protest and CENTLEC’s response are expected throughout the day.