Residents of ‘Gatvol’ have taken to social media to voice their anger over the hike in electricity prices that will be implemented from April this year.
South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (Nersa) announced on Thursday that it has approved an 18.65% increase in electricity tariffs for the next financial year.
READ MORE: Massive electricity price hikes on the cards for SA
The ‘national death’ trend
The ‘National Shutdown’ trend on Twitter shows that protest action can happen quickly.
Although rising electricity prices have angered South Africa, it is not the only problem at hand.
Service delivery, burden reduction, unemployment, corruption and overall ANC governance are difficulties that South Africans can face.
Also read: It’s a long walk for honesty for the ANC
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has taken to social media to encourage citizens to “take action” against the ruling party.
“With unemployment at 63.9% for those aged 15-24, and 42.1% for those aged 25-34, the entire workforce in the country is at risk of retrenchment due to the burden. Stand up! Make your voice heard! #NationalShutdown,” the party tweeted.
The effect of #Loadshedding in the health care system is just as horrible!
The non-functioning of hospital elevators severely restricts the movement of patients and staff.
There are reports of complete loss of radiological and pathological services. Stand!#NationalShutdown pic.twitter.com/S0GUVzsijI– African Transformation Movement (@ATMovement_SA) January 13, 2023
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) CIC Julius Malema says the ANC must be removed from power and it is time to act.
“We are our own liberators; we must remove the ANC from power, but first, Ramaphosa must fall with immediate effect and failing that, we must push him out of office.
“The picket lines are calling our names. We cannot allow them to turn us into a nation of cowards; everything has collapsed under Ramaphosa, and we look like a powerless nation,” tweeted Malema.
We are our own liberators; we must remove the ANC from power, but even before that, Ramaphosa must fall with immediate effect and failing to do that, we must push him out of office.- Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) January 13, 2023
Leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen also said that the issue of price increases should not be ignored.
“Time to hit the streets of SA! We can’t sit back and take hyper inflation! Too many citizens can barely keep their heads above water. This 18% Nersa increase is like a government jackboot pushing more of us to the surface. We will announce plans soon.
It’s time to hit the streets of SA! We can’t sit back and take the rise of hyper inflation!
Too many residents can barely keep their heads above water. This 18% NERSA increase is like a government jackboot pushing more of us to the surface. We will announce our plans soon. pic.twitter.com/cTDFPy8v03— MP John Steenhuisen (@jsteenhuisen) January 13, 2023
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has told South Africans that their “hands are tied” regarding price increases.
NOW Read: ‘My hands are tied’ says Ramaphosa on electricity price hike
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter: