Following public outcry, the Mangaung Metro council decided at a special council meeting on Monday (29/6) to defer the implementation of the new R50 electricity charge, pending a formal resolution from the municipality.
Several Mangaung residents have voiced their dissatisfaction over the newly introduced Centlec tariff, arguing that it places additional pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet.
Many described the charge as an unfair extra cost on top of already high electricity bills, particularly during winter when tariffs are at their highest. Concerns were raised over insufficient communication and public consultation from the utility before the tariff was introduced.
Residents questioned how households could be expected to afford the additional cost with the rising cost of living and increasing financial strain on basic necessities.
Bloemfontein resident Queen Divine, a single parent of two children, says every rand in her budget already has a purpose. She explains while R50 may not seem significant to some, for many families it could mean sacrificing essentials such as bread, school needs, transport, or other daily expenses.
“The reality is that the cost of living continues to rise, and additional charges place further pressure on families who are already doing their best to make ends meet. Electricity is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity for cooking, studying, safety, and daily living,” Divine said.
Another resident, Kabelo Motlatsi, said the R50 charge would disproportionately affect low-income communities, especially those living in townships.
“This charge should be directed at wealthier households. Even now, R100 worth of electricity only gives you about 29 units. How much lower do they want it to go?” Motlatsi expressed.
Lesedi Monare also criticised the utility, saying residents are already dealing with unreliable electricity supply.
“We don’t even have a consistent power supply because electricity keeps tripping during windy weather, rain, or even on clear days. There is no proper maintenance to justify this increase,” Monare said.
Centlec spokesperson Tseliso Leba confirmed the matter was discussed following the public outcry, and the council has since decided to defer the implementation of the new charge pending a formal resolution from the Mangaung Metro Municipality.
“The Mangaung Municipal Council took a resolution to defer the matter during the special council meeting held on 29 June 2026,” Leba said.
According to DA councillor Selmé Pretorius the party has accepted the council’s late-night decision to defer the implementation of the R50 monthly basic charge for residential prepaid electricity customers, which was concluded at around 23:00 on 29 June.
Pretorius said the DA commended Mangaung residents for their active participation and engagement, noting the planned mass action scheduled for 1 July played an important role in influencing the municipality’s decision.
She added that while the deferral is welcomed, it should not be treated as a temporary political gesture, but the municipality must commit to transparent public engagement and keep residents informed about all tariff-related decisions before implementation.
Compiled by Sibongile Selomane
