 | Drakenstein Municipality Executive Mayor calls for immediate halt to Eskom’s proposed 9.01% electricity tariff hikes
12 March 2026 | Press Releases |
12 March 2026
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, has formally urged the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to immediately halt plans to increase electricity tariffs by a further 9.01%.
The Executive Mayor said: “I believe NERSA should re-evaluate Eskom's tariff application as Eskom's recent financial performance does not justify the scale of the proposed increase. Eskom's own reports show that the utility is now in a stronger financial position and generating profits. It is, therefore, unjustifiable to expect our residents to absorb annual hikes of up to 9.01% for the next two years. This proposal is unfair and places an unnecessary burden on households and businesses already struggling with the rising cost of living."
Speaking on behalf of Drakenstein residents, Councillor Korabie highlighted the severe socio-economic impact such increases would have. Families would be forced to choose between basic necessities and electricity, while local businesses would face higher operating costs - threatening jobs and economic stability.
He further stressed that the public participation process must be transparent and inclusive and pay heed to what the people of South Africa are saying.
“Our residents have endured more than a decade of loadshedding, shocking tariff hikes and excuses from Eskom. Enough is enough. I hope that NERSA will heed the call from South Africans across the length and breadth of this country to put an end to citizens paying for Eskom's mistakes."
Soundbite
Listen to the Drakenstein Municipality Executive Mayor Stephen Korabie Soundbite regarding Electricity Tariffs on 12 March 2026 - click here.
The Executive Mayor concluded by urging NERSA to consider alternative solutions that balance Eskom's needs with the socioeconomic realities of our community. “We request a fair and equitable tariff structure that considers the economic constraints of our residents."
The Executive Mayor concluded by urging NERSA to consider alternative solutions that balance Eskom's needs with the socioeconomic realities of our community. “We request a fair and equitable tariff structure that considers the economic constraints of our residents."
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality encompasses the towns of Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Hermon, Saron and Simondium. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands and is home to 311 601 residents. Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities - recognised specifically for its good governance and service excellence. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 11 clean audits.
Visit our website at www.drakenstein.gov.za or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
