Polokwane residents weigh in on power tariff hike

Among several service tariff increases Polokwane residents are facing, the 12.47% rise in electricity tariffs is one of the most significant. The increase took effect on July 1, marking the beginning of the 2025/26 financial year.

- Editorial team

Mayor John Mpe explained that the hike is in line with national and global economic pressures. He also said that the municipality is tightening its own belt, working to “do more with less" as it navigates rising costs.

With everyday essentials becoming more expensive, Polokwane Observer took to the streets to ask residents how they are coping, particularly when it comes to budgeting for electricity.

Here's what some of them had to say: