Cartoon of the day: 6 May 2025

South Africans continue to feel the pinch, with a City of Johannesburg rate hike adding to the financial pressures on many households.

The City of Johannesburg’s plan to increase the prepaid electricity surcharge has residents up in arms.

The Joburg council recently proposed increasing the prepaid electricity surcharge from R200 to R270 a month. It also proposed a hike of the network capacity charge from R130 to R200. 

It has sparked backlash from many consumers who are already struggling with high food prices and increases in other utility costs.

Joburg Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds said on Tuesday that the charge remains at R200 for the time being, but that proposals for an increase are on the table.

She added any decision would be made after considering residents’ feedback.

ALSO READ: Electricity tariffs: Ramokgopa reveals how much Eskom customers pay for usage per month

Ministry distances itself from proposed hike

According to Moneyweb, the Energy and Electricity department has distanced itself from the proposal.

“Municipalities have original powers in terms of the Constitution – the levying of the tariff for reticulation and redistribution resides with municipalities. That is not the domain or the purview of the ministry or Eskom

“The City of Johannesburg – and by extension, the legislature – will take all public submissions into account when they approve the budget,” Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said on Monday.

NOW READ: At least electricity tariff increase is not 36%, but still 3 times inflation rate