By Alicia Mmashakana
Parliament will debate Eskom’s proposed tariff increase of 36% to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) on Thursday.
This follows an urgent request from the Democratic Alliance (DA) to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.
The DA held a National Day of Action across South Africa on Wednesday to protest against Eskom’s electricity tariff hikes.
The party has also collected nearly 100,000 signatures for a petition which will be handed over soon to Nersaand Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
“In a show of unity, DA supporters, leaders and activists were present in all provinces, making our opposition to these unjust increases visible and impactful,” said DA MP Willie Aucamp.
“This overwhelming response proves that South Africans are united in rejecting Eskom’s demands.”
According to the party, Eskom has raised it prices by 450% since 2007.
It said these “extortionate increases” threatened the livelihood of millions of South Africans, forcing them to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.
On Thursday’s debate, Aucamp said: “We will use this platform to hold the ANC government and Eskom accountable for years of mismanagement and to demand solutions that won’t force South Africans into deeper poverty.”
Ramokgopa has acknowledged that the high prices of electricity are untenable, especially for the poor.
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