Left: uMhlathuze Local Municipality deputy mayor Christo Botha, KZN DA deputy leader Sithembiso Ngema and uMngeni Local Municipality mayor Chris Pappas led the picket against Eskom's 40% tariff increase last month in Durban. | DA KZN
Durban — Tempers are expected to flare again when the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) holds public hearings on a proposed 40% tariff increase by Eskom in Durban on Thursday.
The hearings will be held at Greyville Racecourse. The Nersa and Eskom officials will be met by the anger of ratepayers and Democratic Alliance members who will be picketing outside the venue to voice their disapproval of the exorbitant increase.
To show its seriousness about the matter, the DA has deployed its two KwaZulu-Natal senior leaders the Deputy Provincial Leader, Councillor Sithembiso Ngema, and Deputy Provincial Chairperson, Martin Meyer who is also Public Works and Infrastructure MEC to lead a picket.
In a statement issued by the party on Wednesday, it said a 40% tariff hike by Eskom would have a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods, and South Africans should never have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for electricity.
“KwaZulu-Natal is not a place for tick-box exercises, and the DA will do all it can to ensure that residents who want to participate and have their say against this outrageous tariff hike, can do so without hindrance,” read the statement.
The DA members are expected to be joined by scores of residents belonging to the various civic bodies who are against the increase under the umbrella of eThekwini United Ratepayers, Business and Civics Organisation (EURBCO). The body is vehemently opposed to the tariff increase and has compiled a strong written presentation to oppose the increase.
Nersa is returning for the second time in the province following the last-minute cancellation of the hearings last month due to small venue.
There was drama at the Royal Hotel in Durban central where scores of people stormed the venue without having pre-registered for their attendance. Fearing a stampede, Nersa officials announced the cancellation without giving the next date. An official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media said the venue was too small therefore the hearings had to be called off.
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Daily News