Govan Mbeki Municipality paid Eskom R50 million on Monday morning, bringing an end to residents suffering power cuts, at least for now.
Eskom said in a statement on Monday that the power supply interruptions that Secunda, eMbalenhle, Bethal, Trichardt and eMzinoni experienced since 9 October, would be suspended.
According to Eskom, they have reached a payment agreement with the municipality.
Govan Mbeki Municipality owes Eskom more than R500 million and Eskom said if the municipality pays R50 million and make a payment agreement with them, they would not switch off the power.
However, the municipality failed to come up with the money, until Monday morning.
Protesters took to the streets of eMbalenhle on Sunday and blocked all entrances and exits to eMbalenhle.
They continued their protests on Monday morning and burnt vehicles and set the municipal technical building in eMbalenhle alight.
The police denied rumours of people being shot and killed during the protest.
The protesters planned to march to the executive mayor, Ms Flora Maboa-Boltman’s, house in Kinross on Monday morning before they heard the municipality had reached an agreement.
Many eMbalenhle residents could not go to work on Monday because of the protest actions.
Rumours that Sasol and Proconics had a meeting with the municipality on Friday, 13 October were denied, although many people still believe Sasol helped the municipality out of itsdilemma.
Read the full story on the Ridge Times front page.
Also read how the story unfolded and see photos and videos here.
[PHOTOS] Calm returns to eMbalenhle after violent protests yesterday
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