Malema Finally Exposes Why South Africans Are Paying So Much for Electricity Despite Having Coal

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has made a major election campaign promise, declaring that his party is determined to make electricity more affordable for millions of South Africans struggling with rising living costs.

Speaking to enthusiastic party supporters during an election campaign event in Heilbron, Free State, Malema outlined his vision for transforming electricity pricing and improving access to essential municipal services, particularly for vulnerable households.

The EFF leader questioned why South Africans continue to face expensive electricity bills despite the country possessing substantial coal resources used to generate power.

According to Malema, electricity should be reasonably priced because South Africa produces much of the coal required to operate its power stations domestically. He argued that ordinary citizens should benefit directly from these natural resources rather than face increasingly burdensome electricity expenses.

Malema also proposed significant changes to the financial operations of Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility.

He maintained that Eskom should focus primarily on generating sufficient revenue to maintain its infrastructure, cover operational expenses, and provide reliable electricity instead of prioritising profits.

Under this proposed approach, Malema believes electricity tariffs could become more affordable, providing financial relief to households already battling economic hardship.

Another important aspect of his campaign message involved improving cooperation between the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and local municipalities.

Malema proposed connecting SASSA’s social grant databases directly to municipal administrative systems, allowing qualifying grant beneficiaries to be automatically identified and registered as indigent residents.

Such integration could simplify the process through which financially disadvantaged households access municipal assistance and potentially benefit from existing support programmes.

He explained that government departments and municipalities should coordinate their operations more effectively because social grants and payments for essential services ultimately involve public institutions.

The proposal aims to reduce administrative obstacles that may prevent vulnerable citizens from receiving assistance for which they qualify.

During the campaign gathering, residents of Heilbron also raised concerns about challenges affecting their community, giving Malema an opportunity to discuss the EFF’s proposed solutions.

His remarks placed electricity affordability, government accountability, and improved service delivery at the centre of the party’s election campaign.

However, the financial feasibility and practical implementation of these proposals remain important questions.

For now, Malema’s message represents a campaign commitment rather than an implemented government policy, with the EFF seeking public support for its proposed reforms.

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