S.A’s Saftu Advocates for Free Basic Electricity Amidst Eskom’s Proposed Tariff Increase

South Africa’s Union federation Saftu is advocating for free basic electricity amidst Eskom’s proposed 36.15-percent electricity tariff increase for next year. The federation opposes the hike, outlined in a confidential draft to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, which also includes subsequent increases in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Saftu’s, Mogoshadi Maserumule says these hikes, compounded with recent increases, pose a severe financial burden on consumers, especially millions of working-class households: