The Northern Cape Civics Organisation will approach the court to overturn the electricity tariffs that were implemented on July 1.
THE NORTHERN Cape Civics Organisation (NCCO) will approach the court to overturn the electricity tariffs that were implemented on July 1.
The chairperson of the NCCO, Ross Henderson, invited local businesses to pool resources and contribute towards the interdict as it would benefit the entire city and business community.
“We will apply for an interdict against Sol Plaatje Municipality to stop the increases that are clearly unaffordable. We, as a collective, accepted the reality that the majority of our businesses in Kimberley have always complained about the tariff increases . . . but did nothing about it. Therefore, we have decided to go to court instead of just complaining.”
He stated that under no circumstances would their members participate in today’s planned shutdown.
“Our experience is that such demonstrations have always been hijacked by criminal elements. It would be detrimental to our already fragile economy and the city at large is suffering. A shutdown will not achieve anything, as the increases have already been implemented. The only solution would be to follow the legal route and apply for a court order to stop all increases pending the outcome.”
Taxi drivers in the city indicated that they would be operating as normal today.
The CEO of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharon Steyn, stated that they do not support the shutdown although they are objecting to the “absurd electricity price increases”.
“No public hearings were held and no discussions were held with business.”
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said the council meeting would go ahead today.
“The 15 percent electricity increase was approved in line with National Energy Regulator of South Africa guidelines. The basic and capacity charges have not been implemented yet,” said Riet.
