Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the cost of electricity in South Africa is “unsustainable” and is driving many households into energy poverty.

“We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It’s unaffordable,” Ramokgopa said in an interview with broadcaster eNCA over the weekend.

“I mean, it’s dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households.”

He said that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units.

“The choice is easy. They are going to buy a loaf of bread,” he said.

Ramokgopa reiterated the government’s responsibility to intervene.

“The state has got a duty not to be retrenched, but to be at the forefront of the resolution of this preeminent problem,” he said.

His comments come after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) decision to approve a 12.74% electricity tariff increase for Eskom earlier this year.

The increase was effective from April 1, 2025. 

The increase is part of a multi-year revenue determination process, which will also see tariffs rise by 5.36% in the 2026 and 2027 financial year and by 6.19% in 2027 and 2028.

Nersa said the tariff hike aims to stabilise South Africa’s energy supply by improving Eskom’s financial position, which has been weakened by aging infrastructure, delayed maintenance, and ongoing load-shedding.

However, the move has sparked criticism from civil society groups, business owners, and ordinary citizens who argue that consistent increases are adding pressure to an already stretched cost of living.

Ramokgopa emphasised that electricity pricing reform is necessary, particularly for poor and rural communities.

“That is disproportionately affecting your peri-urban areas, villages, and, if you like, poor areas… and that’s something that is receiving our attention,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Tembisa have taken to the streets to protest high electricity costs and the new tariff hike introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni. 

Angry residents began gathering around midnight Sunday and vowed to shut down the township on Monday.

Protesters blocked major roads with burning tires, rocks, debris, and even mobile toilets.

“The following routes are affected following yesterday’s protest action in Tembisa – Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, Brian Mazibuko Drive, George Nyanga Drive, RTJ Namane Drive, and Jabu Mdunge Drive are still barricaded,” said Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele.

Mphahlele said EMPD and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers remained on the scene Monday morning to monitor the situation.

“No participants have been reported thus far,” Mphahlele added.

In an updated statement, the EMPD said, “The situation is still volatile. All main roads are still barricaded with burning tires. They’re throwing moving vehicles with stones. Please be cautious.”

The protest comes after the recently approved tariffs by the metro, which include fixed monthly fees of under R109 for single-phase connections and more than R200 for three-phase connections.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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