Rising Electricity Costs Burden South Africans

South Africans are bracing for another financial blow amid already crippling economic conditions as electricity prices increase by 12.7% on 1 April 2025 - called Fossil Fools' Day by Earthlife Africa. The hike and impending 0.5% VAT increase will force struggling households to make even tougher choices between electricity and necessities.

South Africans have repeatedly voiced their frustrations, taking to the streets in protest and engaging in public hearings. Yet, the government continues to approve hikes that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. Communities, already burdened by poverty, unemployment, and unreliable power, feel abandoned as protests and appeals fall on deaf ears. 

Civil society groups like Earthlife Africa Johannesburg have condemned the increase, saying struggling households should not bear the cost of Eskom's mismanagement, corruption, and failure to modernize. Activists demand a shift to affordable renewable energy, urging the government to prioritize people's needs over Eskom's financial recovery and to ensure a fair, transparent energy system.