Implementation of fuel levy hike a blow to millions of struggling SAns, says Malema

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the party’s failed attempt to block the fuel levy increase is not a setback for the EFF but rather a blow to millions of financially struggling South Africans.

On Monday, the Western Cape High Court dismissed the EFF’s application to halt the implementation of the fuel levy hike.

The levy increase officially took effect on Wednesday, following the finance minister’s announcement during last month’s budget speech.

Malema responded to the court ruling while in Pretoria on Tuesday, where he visited the family of the late actor Presley Chwenyegae.

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As of Wednesday, the fuel levy, often called a “silent tax” embedded in pump prices, has increased by 16 cents a litre for petrol and 15 cents a litre for diesel.

However, South African motorists are paying less for fuel after a reduction in prices attributed to lower oil prices internationally.

This means motorists are now paying five cents per litre for both grades of petrol, while the price of diesel decreased by 36 cents per litre.

Malema says life is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans, as the cost of living continues to rise.

"It was not the EFF that got rejected, it was the people of South Africa who lost because they’ve put an increase on fuel. Once you put an increase in fuel levy, everything else goes up."

Malema says South Africans should prepare themselves for tough times ahead.

"Life is difficult for our people, and to put any other increase on fuel levy will burden our people, who cannot afford."

Malema added that the petrol price decrease has been eroded by the fuel levy increase.