Petition against excessive municipal tariff increases in Buffalo City

We, the residents and ratepayers of Buffalo City, wish to formally express our deep concern regarding the proposed municipal tariff increases scheduled for implementation from 1 July 2026.

The increases—particularly electricity (11.10%) and water (8.33%)—are significantly higher than typical household income growth and inflation, placing an unsustainable financial burden on residents. At a time when many households are already struggling with rising living costs, these increases will further erode disposable income and reduce overall quality of life.

In addition, preliminary comparisons with other municipalities across South Africa indicate that Buffalo City’s tariffs—especially for electricity—are already high relative to similar urban areas. These proposed increases risk making the city increasingly unaffordable, undermining its competitiveness and its status as a desirable place to live and invest.

Residents are being asked to pay more without a corresponding and visible improvement in service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal accountability. This raises serious concerns about fairness, affordability, and value for money.

This petition therefore calls on Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality to:

• Reconsider and reduce the proposed tariff increases
• Provide clear justification and transparency on how tariffs are determined
• Align increases with inflation and average income growth
• Commit to measurable improvements in service delivery and infrastructure
• Urgently curtail water and electricity losses as these are the prime causes of the high tariffs facing residents

We, the undersigned, believe that municipal services must remain affordable and that ratepayers should not be disproportionately burdened by increases that exceed their ability to pay

Beacon Bay Rate Payers and Civic Association    Contact the author of the petition