The City of Ekurhuleni informed the CEO of Eskom André de Ruyter on January 14 that it objects to the proposed 20.5% tariff increase for the 2022/2023 financial year.

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Executive mayor Ald Tania Campbell characterised Eskom’s proposal as unfair and unreasonable in the letter.

“The multiparty coalition in Ekurhuleni believes that residents are unable to afford the proposed increase due to the high level of unemployment in the city and the current consumer price index that stands at 5.5%.

“We cannot sit back and allow such an excessive tariff hike proposal go unchallenged,” said Campbell.
She added that the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2022 cites the top risks that pose a critical threat to the leading economies in the world.

“In the case of South Africa, prolonged economic stagnation and the country’s current employment and livelihood crisis top the list.

“The numerous nationwide lockdowns have crippled local businesses in the city and have forced companies to retrench thousands of workers.”

The City of Cape Town also objected to the proposed 20.5% tariff increase.

“The city implores the CEO of Eskom to seek alternative avenues to increase revenue and to withdraw the application for a price hike immediately,” said Campbell.