ActionSA notes with concern the deliberately misleading statement issued by DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Leader, Cllr Brandon Pretorius, following the 31st July Council sitting.
The DA’s baseless claim that ActionSA, as part of a so-called “ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition,” voted to increase electricity tariffs is not only false, but a reckless distortion that risks inciting public anger and undermining democratic processes.
What Actually Happened
During Thursday’s Council meeting, the Executive Mayor tabled a correction to the 2025/26 electricity tariff structure, specifically proposing the suspension of the R109 and R203 fixed charges levied on A2 residential users (single and three-phase respectively). This was in direct response to sustained community outrage, particularly from residents in Tembisa.
ActionSA supported this suspension and called for urgent, inclusive public consultation, a stance we have consistently advocated both in Council and through public platforms.
In contrast, the DA voted against the suspension, instead proposing that all tariffs, including NERSA-approved unit price increases, be rescinded. This proposal was legally and procedurally impossible and would have placed the municipality in direct contravention of the Electricity Regulation Act.
The DA’s Dishonest Spin
The DA’s statement falsely claims:
- That ActionSA supported higher electricity tariffs, when in fact we voted to suspend the most regressive surcharge;
- That the fixed service charge was increased, when in fact it was suspended pending public consultation;
- That only certain users were protected, when in fact ActionSA called for broader consultation and structural tariff reform.
Let us be clear: If anyone is “raiding the pockets of residents,” it is the DA—by politicising public pain and sabotaging lawful attempts to correct unjustified charges.
Our Position Is Clear
- We oppose unaffordable surcharges imposed without public consultation;
- We support lawful governance that balances service delivery with affordability;
- We reject political dishonesty that fuels public mistrust and instability.
ActionSA is not part of any “coalition of convenience” as the DA claims. We vote on principle and in the public interest – always. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure electricity tariffs are affordable, transparent and just.
ActionSA will not be bullied into silence by the DA’s misinformation campaign. We will continue to lead responsibly in Council, push for accountability in tariff reform, and ensure that the voices of Ekurhuleni’s residents are heard and respected.
DA Misleads Ekurhuleni Residents Again – ActionSA Sets the Record Straight
ActionSA notes with concern the deliberately misleading statement issued by DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Leader, Cllr Brandon Pretorius, following the 31st July Council sitting.
The DA’s baseless claim that ActionSA, as part of a so-called “ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition,” voted to increase electricity tariffs is not only false, but a reckless distortion that risks inciting public anger and undermining democratic processes.
What Actually Happened
During Thursday’s Council meeting, the Executive Mayor tabled a correction to the 2025/26 electricity tariff structure, specifically proposing the suspension of the R109 and R203 fixed charges levied on A2 residential users (single and three-phase respectively). This was in direct response to sustained community outrage, particularly from residents in Tembisa.
ActionSA supported this suspension and called for urgent, inclusive public consultation, a stance we have consistently advocated both in Council and through public platforms.
In contrast, the DA voted against the suspension, instead proposing that all tariffs, including NERSA-approved unit price increases, be rescinded. This proposal was legally and procedurally impossible and would have placed the municipality in direct contravention of the Electricity Regulation Act.
The DA’s Dishonest Spin
The DA’s statement falsely claims:
Let us be clear: If anyone is “raiding the pockets of residents,” it is the DA—by politicising public pain and sabotaging lawful attempts to correct unjustified charges.
Our Position Is Clear
ActionSA is not part of any “coalition of convenience” as the DA claims. We vote on principle and in the public interest – always. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure electricity tariffs are affordable, transparent and just.
ActionSA will not be bullied into silence by the DA’s misinformation campaign. We will continue to lead responsibly in Council, push for accountability in tariff reform, and ensure that the voices of Ekurhuleni’s residents are heard and respected.