Musina residents say they can’t afford electricity price hike

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Residents in Musina, Limpopo, have raised concerns over a 12 percent hike in electricity tariffs, alleging the municipality implemented the increase without consulting them.

The new prices took effect at the beginning of this month, as part of a nationwide increase approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).

Tambudzani Munyai, 47, an unemployed mother in Campbell village, now relies on firewood for cooking and heating.

“My younger sister and I always buy R700 electricity and we always have to add more before month end. We only use electricity for lights and the fridge daily and ironing on Sundays. We always use firewood and it is also difficult to go to the mountains to collect the firewood as it is not safe.”

Tariff increases pinch residents:

The business sector in Campbell has also been affected.

Ndivhuwo Muleya, who sells food from a mobile container, has resorted to using firewood.

“I buy R50 electricity every day and it is expensive. I end up not getting a profit. I do not know what to do. It is really hard. I sometimes use firewood to get the business running,” Muleya explains.

Community leader Stanley Mematle stated they were not consulted before the increase was implemented.

“We realized that the municipality had actually increased the electricity rates without consulting with us. We did not agree, in fact, we didn’t even engage on that point,” Mematle says.

Musina Municipality Mayor Godfrey Mawela said the increase was necessary after several consultative meetings were disrupted.

“At this stage, there is nothing they can do. I am saying they just wait for the financial year to come to an end for them to be able to make an input so they can give preview and consultation of budget processes. The things that we passed is that the indigent community members whose total income is less than R3500 will be covered.”

As winter continues, residents are forced to find alternative ways to stay warm, as they cannot afford to use electrical appliances for heating.

Electricity Prices | Tough times ahead: