People Warned as SA President Faces Security Crisis

77

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa held an emergency meeting with security chiefs in Pretoria two days ago as widespread protests over rising electricity tariffs intensified across several provinces. The closed-door session took place at the Union Buildings. It brought together the Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, the National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola, senior military commanders, intelligence officials, and top advisers from the presidency.

The gathering began shortly after 10:00 a.m., with Ramaphosa arriving alongside his security adviser and members of his economic response team. Provincial premiers from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape joined virtually to give situational updates from their regions, while representatives from the National Disaster Management Centre and Eskom’s  Leadership were physically present at the meeting.

During the briefing, the Police Minister outlined reports of demonstrations that erupted outside Government buildings, power utility offices and major intersections. He confirmed that most protests were peaceful but admitted that isolated incidents of vandalism had occurred overnight. The Defence Minister added that military personnel had been placed on standby in case the situation escalated beyond police control.

President Ramaphosa addressed the room, telling security chiefs that citizens had legitimate concerns over rising tariffs and unreliable power supply. He emphasized that while demonstrations must remain lawful, government agencies must also communicate clearly to prevent misinformation. He instructed Eskom’s leadership to provide a detailed timeline for stabilizing the national grid and improving electricity distribution.

General Masemola, who provided operational updates, assured the president that police units had been deployed to protect key infrastructure, including substations and transmission towers. Intelligence officials briefed the gathering on groups attempting to exploit public frustration, noting that active monitoring was ongoing.

After the meeting, Minister Bheki Cele spoke to journalists waiting outside the Union Buildings. He said the government was committed to dialogue and would meet with civil society groups, labour unions and Community leaders to address grievances. Eskom’s acting chief executive also issued a short statement, promising transparency and more frequent public communication.

The protests, which began earlier in the week, have spread across several cities as South Africans express frustration with increased tariffs and repeated power interruptions. Analysts say the government’s response in the coming days will be critical in determining whether tensions ease or intensify.