- Sunnyside tenants in South Africa, protest against installing private smart meters, fearing higher electricity charges.
- EFF activists demand retention of the current City of Tshwane billing system and call for advance notice of any disconnections.
Tenants at Palm Court rental flats in Sunnyside have expressed strong opposition to the planned installation of electricity intelligent meters by MidCity Property Agency, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. The discontent was evident as a group of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members led a march in Ward 81 to voice their concerns.
The tenants are worried that introducing smart meters managed by a private company could lead to inflated electricity charges. Currently, utility bills are issued by the City of Tshwane, a system tenants have expressed satisfaction with. They fear transitioning to private management might result in overcharging and less favourable billing practices.
Buhle Ndovela, an EFF activist, articulated the tenants’ apprehensions, emphasising their preference for the existing billing system with the City of Tshwane. Ndovela noted that tenants in other buildings where private companies handle utility billing often face issues, such as high bills and automatic deductions for outstanding charges on other utilities. This has fostered distrust towards private entities managing utility services.
The protesters also raised concerns about a lack of formal communication from MidCity Property Agency regarding building matters and potential disconnections for non-payment. They have demanded that the property management notify tenants before any electricity disconnection occurs.
In their memorandum, the tenants stated their opposition to installing private meters, expressing a desire to retain their current arrangement with the City of Tshwane. They argued that the existing system is satisfactory and should not be changed. EFF councillor Benjamin Mathebula warned that if their demands were not addressed within seven days, further protests would be organised, potentially escalating to more direct actions against the property management.
MidCity manager Derrick Groenewald acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and assured the tenants that their concerns would be reviewed. Groenewald promised to respond to the issues raised but did not provide a specific timeline for addressing the complaints.
The situation highlights the growing tensions between tenants and property management over changes to utility billing systems, reflecting broader concerns about privatisation and its impact on consumer costs.