Municipality Rejects Eskom Increase

Executive Mayor Adv Gesie van Deventer, on behalf of Stellenbosch Municipality, rejected “in the strongest possible terms” the NERSA-approved Eskom electricity price increase of 18.6%. She said the increase is “unaffordable and unfair.”

“Our communities are struggling to keep businesses open with stage 6 blackouts being implemented by Eskom. On most days, communities are left without electricity for 8–12 hours per day and the situation is not expected to improve in the short term. South Africans are constantly being expected to pay more for electricity while receiving less and less of it. South Africans are rightfully tired of having to foot the bill for years of corruption and mismanagement at Eskom,” the mayor continued.

“Any increase should be in line with the consumer price index (CPI). An 18.6% increase is outrageous and unjust, especially given the fact that we are in the midst of the worst load shedding on record.”

The mayor also indicated that the municipality is on track in terms of its timelines to co-generate electricity. Initiatives include the installation of solar panels on municipal properties, the acquisition of more generators, the installation of batteries at all municipal traffic lights and the fast-tracking of private solar panel applications, amongst others. The municipality will be releasing more detailed timelines and information on its progress in the coming weeks.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Pixabay

Executive Mayor Adv. Gesie van Deventer

I invite the public to always ensure that we uphold the highest standards. I deeply appreciate the role the public continues to play in assisting us to run a clean, sound, stable and sustainable municipality.”

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Stb Municipality