Soweto residents demand free electricity

Consumers are against Eskom's proposed 53% price hike

The Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee says it will continue to connect electricity illegally should Eskom's request for a 53% electricity tariff increase be granted.

Soweto residents marched to Eskom's offices today, demanding that the embattled power utility give them free electricity.

The National Electricity Regulator of SA (Nersa) will next week begin public hearings into the proposed tariffs. The committee's spokesperson, Tebogo Moshota, says the citizens of Soweto already can't afford to buy food.

Mashota says they will continue with their campaign to connect households whose electricity supply has been disconnected in the township. She also said the tariff hike will leave many people struggling to buy basics such as food.