The Ekurhuleni Metro’s latest electricity tariff application to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) inadvertently exposed a discrepancy of approximately R7 billion in the calculations.
This error is not a technical slipup, but a direct consequence of the ANC-controlled Metro’s inability to responsibly manage public finances and critical infrastructure.
In its application, the Metro incorrectly calculated its Eskom bill for bulk electricity, inflating the amount from R25,5 billion to R32,7 billion.
If the error had not been corrected, it would have justified a tariff increase of more than 50%, instead of the already exorbitant 19% which residents and businesses will have to pay.
The error was only rectified in April 2026 after interested parties pointed it out during public hearings.
A gross mistake like this proves that under ANC rule, budgeting processes, financial controls and administrative competence are simply not reliable.
Residents and businesses are already under severe economic pressure, which must not be exacerbated by poor management or flawed assumptions.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will follow a comprehensive strategy to establish where the discrepancy originated and what remedial action should be taken. Formal questions will be directed to the Gauteng MEC for Finance, Nkululeko Dunga, and the matter will also be raised in the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the Council.
The Metro has to explain how the error crept in and who was responsible for the preparation and approval of the application, while ensuring that no costs are unfairly passed on to residents.
In addition, the Freedom Front Plus calls for a review of internal financial and technical verification processes.
Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable when public money and essential services are at stake.
On 4 November 2026, Ekurhuleni residents have the opportunity to put a stop to the ANC’s maladministration and vote for the Freedom Front Plus – and an administration characterised by accuracy, professionalism and integrity.
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