The Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) has announced an increase in electricity and
service tariffs, effective July 1, 2024. Approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa
(NERSA), these new tariffs will impact a wide spectrum of consumers, from households to businesses.
The announcement has sparked significant concern among Delmas residents, who are bracing for the
financial challenges ahead.
The tariff hikes are crucial for covering rising operational costs and financing infrastructure projects. The free basic electricity program, introduced on July 1, 2020, provides 50 kWh monthly to indigent
households with prepaid meters. While this initiative aims to shield the most vulnerable from the worst impacts, the new tariff hike is set to burden the broader community.
Zanele Mahlangu, a homeowner in Botleng Extension 6, shared her worries following a municipal
inspection on July 20, 2024, which checked for tampered meters. “The electricity guys came by to see if there was any tampering, and they found everything okay at my place,” Mahlangu told the Highveld
Chronicle. She acknowledged the importance of maintaining infrastructure integrity but expressed
concern that the tariff hike would further strain households already grappling with rising living costs.
Meter tampering is a significant issue in VKLM, leading the municipality to impose stringent penalties.
Residential consumers found tampering with meters face fines starting at R8,000.00 for the first offense, escalating to R20,000.00 by the third. Business consumers face harsher penalties, with fines ranging from R22,000.00 to R46,000.00 for repeated offenses. Additional charges may be levied to recoup lost revenue from tampered meters, adding to the financial burden on violators.
Residents and non-residents alike will also face increased costs for burials, exhumations, and
permits at cemeteries such as Botleng Ext 4 (Ziphumulele), Delmas Town, and Sundra.
As the July 1 deadline approaches, Delmas residents are preparing for the financial adjustments required by the new tariffs. The community’s response will be pivotal in shaping the future relationship between VKLM and its constituents, with many hoping that the increased costs will lead to tangible improvements in service quality and municipal accountability.
