ActionSA Joburg to Support Motion to Rescind R230 Electricity Surcharge
Press Statement by Cllr Khomo Mashala
ActionSA Joburg Caucus EISD Whip
Today, ActionSA Joburg Caucus will vote in favour of the motion to rescind the unjust and anti-poor electricity surcharge imposed on residents by the ANC-led government.
The surcharge, which was forcefully passed in council despite objections from communities and civil society, is a clear indication of an administration that is out of touch with realities faced by residents it is supposed to serve. These fees disproportionately affect poor and working-class households who are already battling rising food prices, unemployment and service failures.
ActionSA has consistently reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to standing with the residents of Johannesburg against the unjust R230 fixed electricity charge. Supporting this motion is not only the right thing to do; it is a vital step toward restoring dignity and financial relief to our residents. We therefore urge all like-minded political parties represented in council to put politics aside and support the motion.
We appeal to the conscience of councillors to remember their mandate and why they are in council.
ActionSA reiterates its long-standing belief that the money the city generates through the electricity surcharge can be collected from other streams.
It is high time the city adopts the approach introduced by the Mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, to aggressively collect revenue from private companies and government departments that are owing the city millions of rands.
ActionSA has been vocal about the surcharge from its inception, and as a result, we have lost some critical positions in Council because we have always maintained that our support will only be guided by how the administration resolves the electricity surcharge saga.
ActionSA strongly believes that there is simply a lack of political will in the City of Johannesburg to rescind this tariff. We have seen a similar decision being taken in the City of Ekurhuleni, and we believe that Johannesburg must take heed from Ekurhuleni.
ActionSA Joburg to Support Motion to Rescind R230 Electricity Surcharge
Today, ActionSA Joburg Caucus will vote in favour of the motion to rescind the unjust and anti-poor electricity surcharge imposed on residents by the ANC-led government.
The surcharge, which was forcefully passed in council despite objections from communities and civil society, is a clear indication of an administration that is out of touch with realities faced by residents it is supposed to serve. These fees disproportionately affect poor and working-class households who are already battling rising food prices, unemployment and service failures.
ActionSA has consistently reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to standing with the residents of Johannesburg against the unjust R230 fixed electricity charge. Supporting this motion is not only the right thing to do; it is a vital step toward restoring dignity and financial relief to our residents. We therefore urge all like-minded political parties represented in council to put politics aside and support the motion.
We appeal to the conscience of councillors to remember their mandate and why they are in council.
ActionSA reiterates its long-standing belief that the money the city generates through the electricity surcharge can be collected from other streams.
It is high time the city adopts the approach introduced by the Mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, to aggressively collect revenue from private companies and government departments that are owing the city millions of rands.
ActionSA has been vocal about the surcharge from its inception, and as a result, we have lost some critical positions in Council because we have always maintained that our support will only be guided by how the administration resolves the electricity surcharge saga.
ActionSA strongly believes that there is simply a lack of political will in the City of Johannesburg to rescind this tariff. We have seen a similar decision being taken in the City of Ekurhuleni, and we believe that Johannesburg must take heed from Ekurhuleni.