Thembelihle residents receive electricity

The area was plagued by violent protests over service delivery and illegal connections earlier this year. 

The City of Joburg plans on electrifying all informal settlements in the city over the next 5 years. 

Slindelo Masikane reports...

Joburg Mayor Parks Tau said the micro-grid in Thembelihle would also take some pressure off Eskom.

"The first form of electricity they get is from photovoltaic energy and they supply energy to the home. This energy is generated in Thembelihle for the people of Thembelihle," Tau said.

President Jacob Zuma applauded the city for its problem-solving skills, and said similar projects should be implemented nationally.

"I think the formula, the mixed grid and the manner in which you have explained, mayor, I think it's a solution to many of us that will get energy and this is absolutely wonderful," Zuma said.