Living in Mossel Bay, I've witnessed first-hand the daily struggles of those around me who are less fortunate. Many families in our community are already doing their best to stretch every rand just to put food on the table. This makes the additional burden of the municipality's R433 electricity levy not only unfair but utterly debilitating, punishing those who can least afford it.

The R433 levy is imposed on all residents, forcing them to pay this amount before they can even purchase a single unit of electricity. Electricity is a basic necessity, especially in today's world, and this levy effectively deprives individuals and families of a vital resource, compounding the existing hardships they face due to rising costs of living.

While local governments need funds to maintain and improve infrastructure, these costs should not be disproportionately borne by the poorest in our community. There are alternatives. The municipality can explore scaling the levy based on household income, or seek additional funding from more affluent sectors or governmental grants that do not force the most vulnerable to pay the price.

According to recent studies, nearly 30% of the population in Mossel Bay lives below the poverty line. With unemployment rates soaring, more than 40% of households are already living paycheck to paycheck, and any additional charge severely impacts their quality of life. By adjusting the current levy system, we can provide immediate relief to struggling families and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.

This is a call to action for the Mossel Bay Municipality: reconsider the R433 electricity levy that disproportionately targets poorer residents. There are more equitable solutions that can offer both the municipality and its residents a fairer way forward.

Please join me in asking the Mossel Bay Municipality to change their approach to levies and protect the wellbeing of our community. Sign this petition to show your support and demand change.