Residents of Pietermaritzburg protest at the City Hall against a 25.3% national hike in electricity rates. Picture by Ntombi Mbomvu.
24 June 2015
In Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, a broad spectrum of residents, community organisations, students’ movements, religious groups, people with disability and members of the public embarked on a protest march against the 25.3% electricity tariff hike that has been proposed by Eskom. City mayor Chris Ndlela was asked to stand up for his constituents.
Speaking on behalf of Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (PACSA), Julie Smith said, as representatives of the community, they objected to Eskom’s application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for a 25.3% electricity increase.
“We are saying no and we are refusing to pay that amount of money”, she said. “The increase of electricity is affecting each and every individual in many different ways. We are still faced with a challenge of low wages to employees. Residents of Pietermaritzburg have decided that we fight against this together. We are aware of the fact that the percentage increase of electricity impacts on an increase [in prices] of other goods. Food, petrol and other necessities in the household will increase. We cannot afford their [Eskom’s] percentage. It is very high.”
As protesters were singing and chanting, some shouted, “Down with Eskom’s robbery! Down!”
Protesters were warned not to sing songs that were insulting. They were urged to march peacefully.
Zamisile Giyane, one of the protest leaders, told the mayor to play his part by standing up for the people of Pietermaritzburg.
“As we are handing over this memorandum to you, we are appealing to you to do your job. Your job is not just to stand there in black suits, but you have a duty to lead and listen. Eskom is trying to rob us and it is up to you to be our voice as the leader,” said Giyane.
Ndlela received the memorandum at the Msunduzi municipality offices. He said he was aware of the people’s concerns. He said the municipality will take the memorandum to the relevant people who will then pass it on to Eskom.
“As the municipality, we purchase electricity from Eskom. We are fully aware of the concerns that have been tabled to us and we promise to look at them and revert to you,” said the mayor.
One member of the community, Doreen Taylor, said, “As single parents we are already struggling with electricity. A R100 prepaid electricity only lasts for five days. The proposed percentage is too much. We cannot afford it … Have they thought about that before they made that application?”
United Front deputy secretary Gazuzu Nduli, an umbrella organisation of youth and community organisations, said, “We decided to be the first citizens to take this matter seriously. We are not fighting with anyone, but we are here on a peaceful demonstration.”
NERSA is due to make a decision at the end of the month.
Pietermaritzburg residents march against Eskom’s proposed hike in electricity rate. Picture by Ntombi Mbomvu.