DA slams tariff hikes in Joburg, warns of growing pressure on residents
DA slams tariff hikes in Joburg, warns of growing pressure on residents! The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has raised alarms over the financial burden being placed on residents, warning that many are heading for an even tougher economic stretch. The warning comes in response to a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), as well as municipal tariff hikes across several essential services.
Tariff Increases Set to Hit From July
From 1 July, Johannesburg residents could see noticeable increases on their monthly municipal bills, if proposed changes go ahead. These include hikes in charges for electricity, water, refuse removal, and property rates.
The City of Johannesburg has indicated that while these increases are part of the current budget proposal, the final decision will only be made after the public participation process is completed. Until then, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the city’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) sessions to express their views.
Still, many feel that the direction has already been decided, and that the so-called consultation process may do little to change the outcome.
Tariff hikes
DA Criticizes City’s Approach to Governance
DA regional leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku has strongly criticized the proposed increases, calling them unjustified and unfair to already financially strained citizens.
“You cannot fix a broken city by taxing people into poverty,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said. “You fix it by fixing the government. That means rooting out cadre deployment, appointing qualified professionals, and restoring functional service delivery.”
She argued that rather than relying on citizens to plug financial gaps, the metro should focus on improving governance, accountability, and transparency. The DA maintains that much of Johannesburg’s current financial strain is due to mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency—not a lack of revenue.
Impact on Cash-Strapped Households
For thousands of households across Johannesburg, especially those in low- to middle-income brackets, the proposed tariff increases could lead to greater financial stress. Many residents are already struggling with rising fuel and food prices, frequent load shedding, and inconsistent municipal services.
“These increases are not only ill-timed but also inconsiderate,” said one Soweto resident attending a recent IDP meeting. “How can they charge us more for water and electricity when we’re dealing with outages every week?”
Local NGOs and civic groups have also voiced concern, warning that an increase in municipal rates could lead to a rise in non-payment, placing even more strain on city finances in the long term.
Service Delivery Concerns Persist
Beyond the financial impact, residents have also expressed frustration with poor service delivery. Issues such as uncollected refuse, water leaks, and faulty electricity infrastructure remain widespread in many parts of Johannesburg.
The DA argues that asking residents to pay more while service quality continues to decline is both unreasonable and unsustainable.
“People are willing to pay for services when they work,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said. “But right now, we’re seeing ratepayers being punished for the city’s failures.”
Call to Action: Public Participation Crucial
The DA is calling on Johannesburg residents to make their voices heard during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) public participation sessions, which are currently being hosted in various wards.
“This is not the time for silence,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku. “We urge every household to speak out and reject these unjustified and unaffordable increases. Only through active civic participation can we hold the city accountable and push for policies that serve the people—not burden them.”
What’s Next?
As the public consultation process unfolds, all eyes will be on how the City of Johannesburg responds to the feedback. The final tariff decision is expected before the implementation date on 1 July.
Until then, the DA and other stakeholders promise to keep advocating for a more sustainable, resident-focused approach to municipal finance and service delivery.
