Lerato Mbhiza
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have rejected the upcoming electricity price hikes, scheduled for the 1st of April 2024, amid a total failure by Eskom to provide consistent electricity supply.
This comes after Eskom had applied for a 32% tariff increase for the 2023/2024 financial year and an additional 22.52% for the 2024/2025.
The hike stems from 2023 when the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved a massive tariff increase split over two years.
The EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said this decision is a callous disregard for the harsh realities faced by millions of South Africans.
“It was in early 2023 that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved the substantial 33.77% tariff increase which was split over two years. The burden of the hike was predominantly felt last year, with an 18.65% increase, while rates for 2024 are set to surge by the remaining 12.74% from April,” he said.
Tambo added that the current economic climate is already suffocating, with rising unemployment, a stagnant economy, and an ever-increasing cost of living. To add another burden in the form of higher electricity bills is not only insensitive but economically disastrous.
“This hike will unjustly hit the poor and working class the hardest. Many families already struggle to keep the lights on and put food on the table, and this increase will force them to make impossible choices, jeopardising their basic needs”.
Tambo said the EFF stands with South Africans in the struggle for affordable electricity, as made clear in our 2024 manifesto.
“Under an EFF government, we will revolutionise energy stability by aggressively pursuing a diverse mix of energy sources, leveraging safe coal, nuclear energy, and renewable options such as solar, wind, and hydro-power”.
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