CITY Power workers say their stomachs are empty, and their pockets are even emptier.
They claimed the power utility hasn't paid them in months.
A crowd of angry contractors stormed City Power's Booysens in offices in Joburg on Tuesday, 12 August, demanding answers over unpaid salaries.
About 172 contractors claimed they're owed a staggering R1 billion for completed projects in Joburg, with some workers saying they haven't seen a cent in more than five months.
The struggle isn't just about money.
These workers told Daily Sun they are being evicted due to unpaid rent.
Some are still working on government projects in Vlakfontein and City Power's own microgrid, yet payday remains out of reach.
A worker shared his frustration and heartbreak.
"This problem didn't start today. Since December last year, there's been nothing! Every month, they tell us stories, but there's never a date. We have families and kids. City Power is starving us," said the worker.
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Some workers said they were promised their payslips in July 2025, but when that didn't happen, they were told "mid month," then "end of July", still with no payment.
"The worst part is they keep lying to us. They know we're not getting paid, but still make empty promises. I haven't been paid for a full year now, and I'm furious. There's zero communication, only excuses that City Power hasn't paid up," said a subcontractor.
These unpaid workers are building homes for families relocated from Phumlamqashi informal settlement nearLenasia South.
"Do they know what it's like to build all day and then go hungry at night? I'm a parent, and my family is suffering. We feel betrayed," said another worker.
City Power spokesman Isaac Mangena admitted that contractors are struggling.
"We know there are delays because the City of Johannesburg needs to release funds for us. We've explained the situation to contractors, and as soon as money comes in, we will pay. The backlog is now just over R1 billion," he said.
