The Department of Employment and Labour is aggrieved by the over-the-board behaviour displayed by the City of Tshwane on Friday (23 January 2026) when it decided to take an aggressive approach and cut off electricity at the head office of the department in Pretoria.

On Friday, an “army" of aggressive Tshwane Electricity Division workers descended at Laboria House, department's head office located in the central business district (CBD) causing commotion and cut-off/switched off electricity alleging that the department owed the City R11 million.

To rub salt in the wound, in a social media post on Friday, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya posted a message in which she boldly pronounced that the City had disconnected electricity at the department's head office in Pretoria, which she falsely said owed R11 million to the City.

Following an intervention by the department, it has since been found that the department was not in arrears.

“Despite our protests the department was not heard".

The R11 million owed does not belong to the department. A statement in possession of the department and dated 20/01/2026 shows that the department owes municipality a payable amount of R445,384.75.

The Department is aggrieved of the harm caused by the City of Tshwane. This overzealous conduct has impacted negatively on the reputational capital of the organisation, that 'the Department is not diligent and astute in paying for services. 

The behaviour has also impacted on service provision as the Department had to abruptly ask staff to work from home.

The excessive behaviour compromised security and assets in the property in the absence of electricity. The Department requires an apology on this inconvenience and reckless action.

In realising and accepting their error, yesterday 26 January 2026 at 18h24, the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality reconnected the electricity to the building.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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