Residents of Diepkloof in Soweto marched to Eskom offices demanding a flat rate tariff of R350 for electricity, citing the high cost of prepaid meters. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa acknowledged the expense and affirmed residents' rights to protest. Eskom, however, stated that such a flat rate is not feasible.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, residents of Diepkloof in Soweto protested against the high costs of prepaid electricity by marching to Eskom's offices in the area. They submitted a memorandum demanding a flat rate tariff of R350 for their electricity consumption, objecting to the installation of smart prepaid meters that bill based on usage.
The residents described prepaid electricity as too costly and unaffordable for low-income households. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa responded by acknowledging that electricity is indeed expensive. He emphasized that communities have the right to express their views through such actions, stating, “Communities are within their rights to express their views; to galvanize like-minded people, they are expressing their views, it is part of that contribution and a democratic dispensation. People can’t be reprimanded for expressing that. They are feeling the pain. Electricity is very expensive.” Ramokgopa added that the government is developing an electricity pricing policy aimed at addressing affordable tariffs for low-income households.
Eskom, the state-owned utility, rejected the demand for a flat rate. Gauteng spokesperson Amanda Qithi explained that billing is based on consumption, as households use electricity differently. She noted, “When you purchase electricity, you purchase a certain amount, and you will use it for that particular period. So, the flat rate is something that is not sustainable, it is something that Eskom cannot implement and the tariffs are approved by Nersa.” Eskom plans to continue installing the prepaid meters.
This protest highlights ongoing challenges with electricity affordability in South Africa, where prepaid systems are being rolled out to improve revenue collection but have sparked concerns over costs.
