PETITION AGAINST UNJUST ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKES

To:
The Honourable Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy,
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA),
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd,
Relevant Local Municipalities

We, the undersigned, call for an immediate halt to the recent electricity tariff hikes imposed on South African citizens.

Background:
South Africans are currently grappling with unprecedented increases in the cost of living — rising food prices, fuel hikes, job losses, and stagnant wages. The recent electricity tariff hikes, implemented by Eskom and approved by NERSA, further burden already struggling households and small businesses.

In Ekurhuleni and other municipalities, residents have reported unaffordable electricity bills that are driving them deeper into poverty. These increases are both unreasonable and unsustainable, especially given the persistent load shedding, service delivery failures, and lack of accountability in the energy sector.

We Demand:

1. Immediate Suspension of the latest electricity tariff increases for the 2025/26 financial year.

2. Comprehensive Public Consultation on future electricity pricing, including community hearings and transparent documentation.

3. Independent Audit of Eskom’s spending and debt, to identify inefficiencies and corruption.

4. Pro-Poor Subsidies and relief measures for indigent households.

5. Urgent Reforms to ensure that electricity pricing reflects fair value for money — with improved reliability, maintenance, and investment in renewable energy.

Why This Matters:
Electricity is a basic human right and a critical service. Increasing tariffs without service improvements amounts to exploitation. If left unchallenged, millions of South Africans will face disconnection, energy poverty, and worsened quality of life.

We, the people, will no longer accept being punished for the failures of mismanagement and corruption within the energy sector.

Sign this petition to protect your right to affordable electricity. Together, let’s demand justice, fairness, and accountability.

Thulani Ndaba    Contact the author of the petition