PSA demands govt transparency in latest round of power, fuel price hikes

On Monday, Eskom implemented the 12,74% electricity tariff increase.

Last year, Eskom approached the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to approve its retail tariff and structural adjustment application, aimed at bolstering its financial standing.

PSA spokesperson Claude Naicker said these increases will have a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of South Africans.

“I think the timing of the increases, especially in electricity and fuel price increase, is going to have a severe impact on especially public servants who are struggling to make ends meet and also the rest of the country that commutes on a daily basis and utilises electricity as a basic need.

“The PSA demands transparency and accountability from government regarding these decisions. A commitment is required to address the concerns of public servants who stand in service of citizens. It is unacceptable for them to bear the brunt of economic hardships whilst simultaneously being expected to fulfil crucial roles in delivering essential services.”

Naicker said they will engage Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to see if the government has any proposals to alleviate the burden.

“We are hoping that the deficit that we find ourselves in now as far as the increase, that we can try and make amends for that by demanding the difference between the real wage increase and the inflation in the coming financial year so we can top-up with whatever we are going to negotiate so the public servants can stay afloat in this financial crisis.    

“The PSA urges the government to reconsider these unjustified price increases and to prioritise the well-being of citizens, including dedicated public servants. The PSA stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue to find sustainable solutions that protect the interests of public-sector employees and all South Africans.”

Meanwhile, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said electricity tariff increases for local municipalities will come into effect from the 1st of July.

“Local authority tariffs charges from the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 a percentage increase of 12.72%. Eskom direct customers from the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 all tariff charges except the affordability subsidy charge, a percentage increase of 12.74%. Affordability subsidy charge a percentage increase of 25.24%. The average increase applied to the key industrial and urban tariffs will be 13.29% due to the increase in the affordability subsidy charge.”

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