This increase, on top of the upcoming 0.5% VAT hike, will further strain already struggling households forced to choose between basic necessities and electricity.

Earthlife Africa Johannesburg condemns the increase, arguing that ordinary citizens should not be forced to pay the price for Eskom’s financial mismanagement, corruption, and failure to modernise.

“Millions of South Africans are already living below the poverty line. With record-high unemployment and social grants stretched to the limit, another tariff increase will push many further into crisis,” says Thabo Sibeko of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg.

South Africans have repeatedly voiced their frustrations, taking to the streets in protest and engaging in public hearings. Yet, the government continues to approve hikes that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

Adding insult to injury, Eskom has warned that households installing solar power must register with them and pay fees – even if they do not feed back into the grid.

This move has been widely criticised as another attempt to generate revenue rather than support energy security for struggling South Africans.

The relentless tariff hikes continue to widen inequality, making electricity a luxury rather than a basic right.

“It is high time Eskom transitions to low-carbon energy sources like renewables to prevent further price hikes. Renewable energy is affordable, accessible, and can free communities from Eskom’s stranglehold. We say NO to more tariff increases,” says Sibeko.