We must ensure that Eskom has the resources it needs to resolve the electricity crisis but at the same time protect South Africans from the effects of higher prices. There is no simple answer to this problem, writes CyrilRamaphosa in his weekly newsletter
Cyril RamaphosaWe must ensure that Eskom has the resources it needs to resolve the electricity crisis but at the same time protect South Africans from the effects of higher prices. There is no simple answer to this problem, writesThe recent announcement of an increase in electricity tariffs comes at an extremely difficult time for citizens and businesses alike, who are already contending with the high costs of fuel, food and other essentials.
Yet, there is little doubt that increasing the price of electricity now, at this challenging time, will add to the difficulties South Africans are facing. Rising food and energy prices are fuelling a cost-of-living crisis worldwide, and the poor are being hardest hit. We remain absolutely committed to this policy. Other programmes to expand the social wage include the provision of free primary healthcare, exempting learners from poor families from paying school fees, a school nutrition programme that supports more than nine million learners countrywide and the provision of free tertiary education for students from poor families. The zero-rating of basic food products for VAT helps to decrease their cost for the poor.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mabuza tells Ramaphosa he's stepping downDeputy president David Mabuza has communicated his intention to resign to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Read more »
Mabuza tells Ramaphosa he's stepping downDeputy president David Mabuza has communicated his intention to resign to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Read more »
New UK citizenship laws – what South Africans need to knowKey changes to citizenship laws make it easier for South Africans to get a UK passport.
Read more »
Ramaphosa on electricity price hikes in South AfricaThe latest weekly letter from Cyril Ramaphosa looks into the energy crisis.
Read more »
Ending load-shedding South Africa's 'most immediate' challenge: RamaphosaInterventions to stop load-shedding will take a while to have an effect and power cuts will be with us for some time, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
Read more »