PAC voices ‘grave disgust’ over electricity, fuel price increase

The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has voiced its “grave disgust” over Eskom’s implementation of an electricity price increase of over 12%.

This comes after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) determined the increases in December last year.

The increase of the Eskom electricity price, effective from the 1st of April, is followed by a petrol price increase set for this Wednesday. This means that a litre of 95 petrol, which used to cost R24.45 a litre in Gauteng, will now cost R25,12.

RELATED STORY: ATM says Eskom’s electricity tariff hike an assault on citizens.

In a statement issued on Monday, the PAC said these increases represent yet another financial burden on the shoulders of ordinary South Africans who are already struggling under the weight of economic hardship.

“The consequences of these hikes are twofold: they not only exacerbate the cost of living for the average citizen but also highlight a stark inequality in our society. While the wealthy may navigate these increases with little to no discomfort, the vast majority of our people will face even greater challenges in meeting their basic needs. This situation is a direct result of years of mismanagement and corruption within the ANC-led government, which has allowed such punitive tariffs to become a reality,” said the PAC.

The PAC also stressed that it views these developments not just as economic issues but as a moral crisis.

“It is a reflection of a governance system that has continually failed to protect its most vulnerable citizens from the fallout of its actions. The repeated financial misdeeds and corrupt practices have led us to this juncture, where ordinary South Africans bear the brunt of these injustices.”

In light of this, the PAC has called upon all citizens of our country to take a stand against corruption and mismanagement of State-owned entities.

“As we approach the elections on 29 May 2024, it is crucial that we mobilize together to vote out the ANC and bring about a government that is accountable, transparent, and truly serves the interests of its people,” the PAC added.