I hope you’re sitting down because I’ve got some news that might make your wallet a bit nervous. Eskom, our national electricity provider, has recently put forward a proposal that’s raising eyebrows and blood pressures across the country. They’re asking for a whopping 36.15% tariff increase for the 2025-26 financial year. Yes, you read that right – 36.15%!
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I first heard this, I nearly spilled my coffee. This isn’t just a small bump in our electricity bills we’re talking about. If approved, this increase could have a significant impact on both our personal finances and the broader South African economy.
For us everyday people, it might mean tightening our belts even further. We might have to think twice before switching on that extra light or running the air conditioner on a scorching summer day. And for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises that are already struggling, this could be a real game-changer – and not in a good way.
AfriForum’s Role and Call to Action
But don’t worry, we’re not in this alone. AfriForum, a civil rights organization, has stepped up to the plate. They’re rallying South Africans to get involved in the consultation process with NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa).
You might be wondering, “Why should I bother?” Well, let me tell you, your voice matters more than you might think. By participating in this process, we have a chance to influence how energy is priced in our country. It’s like voting – every voice counts, and together, we can make a real difference.
Concerns Over Eskom’s Financial Mismanagement
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Eskom’s track record. If you’ve been following the news (or just trying to keep your lights on), you’ll know that Eskom has had its fair share of problems. There’s been a history of mismanagement and, sadly, even misappropriation of funds.
AfriForum believes, and I tend to agree, that this massive tariff increase is basically asking us to foot the bill for Eskom’s past mistakes. It’s like if your friend borrowed money, spent it unwisely, and then asked you to cover their debts.
Morné Mostert’s Criticism of the Proposal
AfriForum’s Local Government Affairs manager, Morné Mostert, didn’t mince words when talking about this proposal. He said, “This increase is completely untenable. It’s unfair to place such a heavy burden on consumers who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.”
I couldn’t agree more with Morné. Many of us are already juggling our budgets, trying to make ends meet. Adding such a significant increase to our electricity bills feels like being asked to carry a boulder uphill – it’s just too much.
AfriForum’s Strategy: Petitions and Public Hearings
But AfriForum isn’t just talking about the problem – they’re taking action. They’re planning to launch a petition against this tariff hike. It’s a chance for all of us to stand together and say, “No, this is not okay.”
They’re also getting involved in NERSA’s public hearings. These hearings are like town hall meetings where we can voice our concerns directly to the decision-makers. AfriForum will be there, making sure our collective voice is heard loud and clear.
Timeline for Public Engagement
Now, here’s where you come in. There are some important dates you need to know if you want to get involved (and I really hope you do!):
It’s crucial that we stick to these deadlines. Missing them would be like showing up to a party after everyone’s gone home – our chance to make a difference will have passed.
NERSA’s Public Hearing Schedule
Speaking of those public hearings, they’re happening all over South Africa. Here’s a quick breakdown:
21-22 November – KwaZulu-Natal
25 November – Free State
26 November – Northern Cape
27 November – Mpumalanga
29 November – Limpopo
2 December – North West
3-4 December – Gauteng
AfriForum is committed to making sure as many people as possible participate in these hearings. They’re like our cheerleaders, encouraging us all to stand up and be counted.
Conclusion: Importance of Civic Engagement in Energy Pricing
So, my fellow South Africans, here’s the bottom line: we need to act, and we need to act now. AfriForum is urging all of us to get involved, whether it’s by signing their petition, attending a public hearing, or submitting our comments to NERSA.
This isn’t just about our electricity bills for next year. It’s about the long-term future of our country. These kinds of increases can have a ripple effect on our entire economy, affecting everything from job creation to the cost of goods.
Remember, in situations like this, silence isn’t golden – it’s consent. So let’s raise our voices, share our concerns, and work together for a fair and sustainable energy future for South Africa. After all, isn’t that what being a community is all about?