BOSA calls for clarity on electricity tariff review from Minister Ramokgopa

5 August 2024

One week ago, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, made a welcome announcement that a review of electricity tariffs would be set up to assess the affordability of electricity and find a way to lower the cost thereof. 

The review will be conducted in consultation with all relevant stakeholders including the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Eskom, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
Build One South Africa (BOSA) welcomed this initiative as a step in the right direction. We have been advocating for lower prices, as well as ensuring that those citizens who are indigent do in fact appear on municipalities’ indigent registries and receive a bouquet of free basic services.

“It is now common cause that there are huge discrepancies between the funds that National Treasury allocates to municipalities for them to cater for the basic needs of the indigent, versus the actual funds that the municipalities spend in this regard. This received mention in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address last month,” said Allie.

Allie added that “Shielding poor and struggling citizens from the ever-increasing cost of living is a moral imperative. Government cannot use the struggles of citizens as a political football."

It is therefore vital that the Minister gives the public clarity on this review, including commencement date, scope and personnel responsible. From there, BOSA will closely monitor this review to ensure relief is provided to those who need it most.

Issued by Roger Solomons, Acting Spokesperson, BOSA, 5 August 2024