The DA is deeply concerned that today’s scheduled public hearings by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, into Eskom’s outrageous 40% tariff hike request, were bungled by NERSA, and shut down before they began.
We call on NERSA to immediately announce the new dates and venues for KZN’s public hearings on Eskom’s tariff hike request.
The hearings are a critical moment in South Africa’s cost-of-living crisis, allowing residents to voice their opposition to the ridiculous price hike Eskom wants to levy next year, but through a major logistical failure by NERSA today’s hearings in KZN were called off without residents being heard.
The venue for KZN’s public hearings was changed at the last minute yesterday and on arrival NERSA learnt that the new venue could not accommodate the public as it was too small. NERSA then tried to limit the number of people that could enter the venue leaving hundreds outside, and excluded which did not sit well with people who had journeyed there to make their voice heard.
Outside The Royal Hotel in Durban the DA had held a protest in the early morning, which drew support from hundreds in attendance. It is clear that momentum is behind the DA’s campaign to stop these ridiculous price increases.
Eskom’s tariff hike request is largely to make up for its own astronomical financial wastages, and for ANC-run municipalities that currently owe Eskom R90 billion. DA-run municipalities are paid up, 100% meeting payment deadlines.
DA-run uMngeni owes Eskom R0.00
Next to uMngeni, Msunduzi Municipality currently owes Eskom over R1,5 billion.
The DA will remain at the forefront fighting for residents so that they don’t have to choose between buying food or electricity.