FLOWER FOUNTAIN – Residents of Mangaung Metro scored a small victory when the planned R50 fee for residential prepaid electricity customers was postponed.
This would have been a heavy burden, along with the increase in electricity rates that comes into effect on July 1 and the addition of winter rates that also come into effect.
The net block rates for domestic residents will be 3.7586 per unit (0 to 350 kWh) for the winter rates (0 to 350 kWh) from July 1 and 3.0442 in the first block in the summer. This is before VAT.
The second block rate in winter is 4.5609 (over 350 kWh). This is 34c more on the winter rate and 27c more on the summer rate in the first block.
Also read: Deferred relief of R50 levy on electricity in Mangaung.
The electricity increase is 9.9%. This together with the water rate increase of 14.4%. Although real estate rates will fall by 5%, the new valuation role will also come into effect on July 1. The value of properties in the Mangaung Metro is on average 33% higher than before, according to the latest valuation roll.
It’s not just in Mangaung where residents will struggle to make ends meet.
From July 1, residents of Matjhabeng Local Municipality will face a 25% water tariff increase and an 11% electricity increase. This after the municipal budget for 2026-’27 was pushed through by the ruling party.
Marti Wil by Prospect writes that in addition to steep water and electricity increases, property prices, waste disposal, sewerage and general municipal rates in Matjabeng will increase by 7%.
The municipality has also introduced a new minimum monthly water charge of R550 for businesses and proposed a fire service levy, a move criticized by the DA given ongoing concerns about the municipality’s emergency response capacity.
Piet Botha, candidate mayor of Matjhabeng, says the electricity tariff increase has already been set at 11% and will come into effect on July 1. “The initial approval of NERSA was for 9.37%, but the municipality then decided – and we as DA voted against this – to request an increase of 23% from NERSA. NERSA then approved 11%. No further increase can be made within one financial year; the law (MFMA) does not allow this,” says Botha.
Residents on Facebook are up in arms about the approved increases Matjhabeng.
Bianca Loggerenberg writes that the municipality is clearly not doing its homework. “An increase of 11% and 25%. Why can’t it be the same? This is ridiculous, and this while many people only get a 5% increase on their salary. People are going to pay less and less or steal more and more power.”
Keith Hechtet wrote that there is a big difference between a ruling party and a party of thieves, and Tertia van Heerde says that the municipality increases everything, but there are no services. This is the position of many people on Facebook. They have to pay for services such as water and electricity, but go weeks without any of these services.
Amanda Jansen van Vuuren wrote: “But most of the time we don’t have water or electricity, they get richer and the poor get poorer, and if you can do that? They make decisions and we just have to do it?”
Wilson Mohale wrote that the increase will impact people who pay for their services every month. “But it will certainly not affect 70% of the people staying in the township” and Tshepiso Koza wrote that it is a shame for the people of Matjhabeng local municipality.
The DA commended the residents of Mangaung for their active community involvement and the planned mass action on July 1, which undoubtedly forced the municipality to reconsider its position on the R50 basic fee.
Rudi Maartens, DA councilor, said the outcome of the council’s decision demonstrates the power of public participation and the importance of responsible governance.
Lientjie Mentz
novanews.co.za