The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejects the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s (NMBM) proposal for a significant 9% electricity tariff increase in 2026/2027.
This proposal follows closely on the 12,8% increase in 2025, which already left residents under severe financial strain – after Eskom initially requested an excessive 21% increase.
Despite initial assurances that tariff relief would follow, residents and businesses now face a further increase without any guarantee that it will be the last.
The Freedom Front Plus simply cannot endorse any further tariff hikes while the Municipality fails in terms of the basic principles of good governance, accountability and service delivery.
Paying residents are increasingly being punished while they finance a system tolerating non-payment, cable theft and operational inefficiency.
The Metro’s own figures reflect electricity losses of approximately R840 million – an amount that confirms the scale of the crisis.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that the Metro should first demonstrate its willingness to disconnect debtors who are able to pay, but refuse to, and to effectively curb electricity theft.
Moreover, the condition of the Metro’s electricity infrastructure remains a serious concern.
Residents are expected to pay more, while they are continually affected by unreliable power supply, frequent outages and aging infrastructure.
Stable electricity infrastructure is a prerequisite for discussions on higher tariffs.
The proposed 9% increase also creates uncertainty because Eskom’s final bulk tariff has not yet been announced. So, there is no guarantee that residents will not face yet another increase once Eskom releases its figures.
The Freedom Front Plus sides with residents and businesses experiencing significant financial strain.
As it stands, the party will not endorse any tariff hikes proposed in the Council.
The Metro first needs to address the actual causes of its financial crisis – enforce payment, stop electricity theft and restore accountability.
