By Thabo Mosia
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State is set to protest against Eskom’s proposed 40% electricity tariff hike at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) public hearing in Bloemfontein today, 25 November 2024. The DA will also make formal submissions during the hearing, urging NERSA to reject the proposed increase, which they argue would severely impact millions already struggling with the high cost of living.
Event Details:
• Date: Monday, 25 November 2024
• Time: 08:30
• Venue: Bon Hotel, Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street, Bloemfontein
The DA delegation will be led by Free State Provincial Chairperson Werner Horn MP, Deputy Provincial Chairperson Jafta Mokoena MPL, Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance David McKay MPL, along with Members of Parliament, Members of the Free State Legislature, and DA Councillors.
This protest is part of a broader national campaign by the DA opposing Eskom’s tariff hike proposal. The party has been vocal in its criticism, highlighting the detrimental effects such an increase would have on households and businesses already burdened by economic challenges. In a statement, the DA emphasized that the proposed 36.15% increase for 2026, followed by additional hikes in 2027 and 2028, would place an unbearable financial burden on South Africans. 
The DA has also launched a petition to block these hikes, gathering significant support from citizens nationwide. The party’s actions include parliamentary debates, local government resistance, and national protests to amplify public opposition to the proposed increases. 
Recent events have underscored the public’s concern over Eskom’s tariff proposals. In KwaZulu-Natal, a scheduled NERSA public hearing was called off due to overwhelming attendance, indicating widespread public interest and opposition. 
The DA has also been active in other provinces. On 21 November 2024, the party expressed deep concern over the bungling of NERSA’s scheduled public hearings in KwaZulu-Natal, where residents were left unheard due to logistical failures. The DA called on NERSA to announce new dates and venues for the hearings, emphasizing the importance of public participation in decisions affecting electricity tariffs. 
In Cape Town, the DA led a protest on 18 November 2024 against Eskom’s application for a 36% tariff increase for the 2025/26 financial year. The party gathered over 200,000 signatures opposing the hike and submitted them to NERSA, highlighting the widespread public opposition to the proposed increases.
As NERSA continues its public hearings across the country, the DA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for affordable electricity and holding Eskom accountable for its financial management. The party urges all South Africans to participate in these hearings and voice their concerns, emphasizing the importance of collective action in influencing regulatory decisions.
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