Residents of Diepkloof in Soweto delivered a memorandum of demands to the local Eskom offices, calling for a flat rate electricity fee and an immediate halt to the rollout of new prepaid meters.
The residents argue that the current electricity tariffs are unaffordable, particularly for many households in the community. They are pushing for a shift away from the prepaid meter system to a flat rate structure that would make electricity more accessible.
Mr. Thabo, one of the residents who addressed the group, emphasized the lack of proper consultation by Eskom before installing the new prepaid meters. He referenced Section 59 of the South African Constitution, which requires public participation in policy and service delivery developments.
He explained that consultations must be comprehensive and inclusive, such as through mass meetings in halls, rather than piecemeal or limited forums. This would allow community members and citizens to ask questions and engage meaningfully, as they are the ones paying for the services.
Mr. Thabo noted that the prepaid meters are already affecting numerous communities by directly impacting household budgets, making the situation worse for residents.
The memorandum highlights the residents’ view that any new projects or changes in electricity service delivery must involve thorough community input to ensure fairness and affordability.