By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has welcomed Monday’s ruling by the Pretoria High Court that set aside Eskom’s proposed R54 billion tariff clawback arrangement with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Tuesday the court had correctly ruled that decisions with such far-reaching consequences “cannot be taken behind closed doors, without meaningful public participation”.
“This judgment is a significant victory for electricity consumers who have endured relentless tariff hikes for more than a decade, while living standards have deteriorated and wages have stagnated,” Vavi said in a statement.
“It reasserts the constitutional principle that regulatory decisions must be transparent, accountable and participatory.”
The ruling, handed down on 21 December 2025, rejected an attempt by Eskom and Nersa to resolve a tariff dispute behind closed doors.
The court found that the proposed agreement sought to correct
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