General workers' union adds opposition voice to City Power's R200 electricity surcharge
At the beginning of last month, City Power customers on prepaid meters had to start paying a standard R200 monthly in addition to their electricity purchases.
A Johannesburg City Power smart meter. Picture: File
JOHANNESBURG - The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has added its voice to a long list of opposition to the recently implemented R200 electricity surcharge by City Power.
At the beginning of last month, City Power customers on prepaid meters had to start paying a standard R200 monthly in addition to their electricity purchases.
READ: R200 electricity surcharge to remain in effect - City of Joburg
The implementation sparked widespread outcry, with the Joburg metro noting this and reiterating that the surcharge would remain in effect to aid Joburg City Power in the maintenance of its electricity infrastructure.
GIWUSA spokesperson Koketso Phasha said the charge was a reckless and selfish decision that does not favour the working class and the poor.
"The municipal company ignores the high cost of living and the poverty in the City of Johannesburg, and the declining real wages and social grants that workers and the poor are subjected to."