The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) endorses the principle of allowing independent power producers to contribute to the Ekurhuleni Metro’s energy supply, as well as creating a structure through which assets for the proposed independent power producers are entrusted to a reliable third party.
For years, Ekurhuleni’s residents and businesses have had to endure Eskom’s intermittent electricity supply, regular load shedding and rising costs. A diversified energy mix could result in greater stability, reduced dependence on Eskom and, in the long term, possibly more competitive tariffs.
The Freedom Front Plus, nevertheless, expressed serious concern about the financial and governance implications of the proposal.
The planned surety and third-party structure proposes a drastic change to the way municipal electricity revenue is managed.
Revenue will in future first be ring-fenced and prioritised for independent power producers before the Metro may access the remaining balance.
This directly limits the Metro’s financial flexibility and places a key revenue stream under external control.
Furthermore, Council is expected to accept Eskom-related surety obligations without clarity on the full extent of the Metro’s potential financial exposure.
Taking on such obligations could keep the Metro legally bound for years and carries significant risks for service delivery and financial stability.
This shift in financial control and priorities cannot be made without thorough risk evaluation and full transparency.
Management decisions of this magnitude must be based on informed consideration, merit and responsible financial principles, and not on political urgency or short-term solutions.
Sound governance requires transparency, proper risk assessment and informed decisions before making long-term financial commitments.
Such sound governance also requires the election of reliable governing partners in the local government elections on 4 November, so, voters are encouraged to cast their vote for the Freedom Front Plus.
Freedom Front Plus Public Participation: The party encourages public participation in governance.