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How South Africans United to Stop Eskom’s 36% Tariff Hike

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South Africans from all walks of life have successfully fought back against Eskom’s proposed 36% electricity tariff increase, securing a lower 12.7% increase for the 2025/2026 financial year.

At the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) announcement, chairperson Thembani Bukula credited ordinary citizens for showing up in large numbers to oppose the drastic increase. The public’s emotional testimonies, petitions, and protests played a crucial role in shaping the final decision.

How Eskom’s 36% Hike Was Defeated

Eskom initially requested tariff increases of:

  • 36.15% for 2025/26
  • 11.81% for 2026/27
  • 9.1% for 2027/28

This would have significantly increased electricity costs for households, businesses, and industries, threatening jobs and economic stability.

However, Nersa received over 1,200 written objections from civil society groups, businesses, trade unions, and individuals. Many testified about the devastating impact of the proposed increase:

Women in Nelson Mandela Bay shared how they had to chop wood because they could no longer afford electricity.
Pensioners spoke about choosing between food, medication, and electricity.
Farmers in the Free State switched to Afrikaans to express their frustration.
Businesses warned of job losses if the increase was approved.

Public hearings in Durban, Cape Town, Gauteng, and Free State saw overwhelming participation, with people arriving in groups, with handwritten petitions, and heartfelt speeches.

The Final Nersa Decision: A Lower 12.7% Increase

After months of deliberations, Nersa ruled against Eskom’s 36% request, approving the following increases instead:

  • 12.7% for 2025/26
  • 5.36% for 2026/27
  • 6.19% for 2027/28

This was a significant victory for South Africans who fought to keep electricity affordable while ensuring Eskom’s financial stability.

Challenges Still Remain

While the 12.7% increase is lower than 36%, it is still higher than inflation and will impact costs for food, fuel, and businesses. Experts have also highlighted ongoing issues such as:

⚡ Municipal debt to Eskom – Over R107 billion owed by municipalities.
⚡ Infrastructure problemsVandalism, illegal connections, and poor maintenance at municipal levels.
⚡ Eskom’s financial sustainability – Despite stabilizing power supply, Eskom still faces long-term operational challenges.

A Message from Nersa: “We Heard You”

Reflecting on the months of passionate public hearings, Nersa chairperson Thembani Bukula had a clear message for South Africans:

“We heard you.”

The decision to lower the tariff increase was a direct result of public participation and activism, proving that ordinary citizens can influence national policies.

What are your thoughts on the final electricity tariff increase?

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