Union slams City Power's R200 surcharge as 'racist, classist, sexist'

JOHANNESBURG - The General Industries Workers Union (GIWUSA) has called for a mass meeting over its dissatisfaction with City Power's recently implemented R200 electricity surcharge.

At the beginning of the month, the power utility implemented the standard monthly fee in addition to electricity prices for all its prepaid customers living in Johannesburg.

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The move has been met by backlash from residents, civil organisations, and several unions.

GIWUSA spokesperson Koketso Phasha said the additional cost wass a burden to overstretched consumers.

"It is long overdue for the municipality to rectify its racist, classist – and by implication sexist – electricity pricing, and address extreme inequality at the same time. We are calling on SAFTU [South African Federation of Trade Unions] and the Working-Class Steering Committee to organise a mass meeting for all the working-class movements and residents in middle-class areas across the City of Johannesburg for discussions and a fighting strategy."