EFF backs Tembisa residents in protest against electricity surcharge
The EFF has described this service charge as unreasonable, as it places an additional strain on the everyday residents of Ekurhuleni, who are already facing significant challenges due to widespread poverty and concerning unemployment figures in the region.
The Metro had implemented a R126 electricity fixed surcharge, which the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, subsequently temporarily suspended after the protest during an address with the community.
However, the red berets said this was not enough, they want the permanent removal of this expense, which they term as exploitative.
The EFF further said Xhakaza's utterances are ineffective as he does not have the powers to make such pronouncements without consulting the legislature.
This charge followed the 12.74% national electricity tariff increase approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which came into effect on April 1, 2025
This contentious surcharge follows an alarming 12.74% increase in national electricity tariffs approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which took effect on April 1, 2025.
The increase is part of Nersa's multi-year revenue determination plan, which includes further hikes of 5.36% in the 2026–2027 financial year and 6.19% in 2027–2028.
Nersa justified this increase as part of a multi-year revenue determination strategy aimed at stabilising the country's failing energy supply while attempting to remedy Eskom's challenging financial predicament, marred by aging infrastructure and ongoing load-shedding incidents.
Nersa said it aims to stabilise the country's energy supply and support Eskom's deteriorating financial position, which has been hampered by aging infrastructure, delayed maintenance, and continued load-shedding.
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The Bosa leader listed his involvement with the Kgalaletso Kgosi Trust, with beneficiaries being Kgalaletso, Natalie, Kgosi and Kutlwano Maimane. From the arms of Papa Former convicted bank robber turned politician and now Minister of Sport and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of the Patriotic Alliance, is involved in more than 28 companies, either as a director or in partnership. He declared no shares or other financial interests or work outside of Parliament, but it is clear McKenzie has been building a nest egg since his release. Directorships and partnerships (since deregistered) in which McKenzie had a stake include logistics, media, mining and exploration, film and television, a micro brewery, a record label, health and wellness, night clubs and entertainment and liquid gas distribution. 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Zibi listed shares and other financial interests in Absa Group Limited: 7,000 ordinary shares valued at R1.1-million; Investec Bank Limited: 3,050 ordinary shares, valued at R410,000; Shoprite Limited: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R377,000; Sibanye Stillwater: 1,000 ordinary shares, valued at R17,700; MTN Group: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R122,000; Ninety One Limited: 1,488 ordinary listed shares worth R65,400. Zibi had 'nothing to disclose' under the rest of the headings.
