News24 | ON THE ROAD | Swellendam residents fear re-eruption of protests as 'nothing has changed' since 2023

In August and September of 2023, residents of Railton, a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, took to the streets to protest against high electricity tariffs. The demonstrations, which were organized by the Railton Community Development Forum (RCDF), saw hundreds of residents blocking the N2 national road, which passes through the town, and disrupting traffic.

The protesters' grievances stemmed from the significant increase in electricity prices, which they argued was unaffordable for many low-income families in the area. The electricity utility company, Eskom, had announced a hike in tariffs, citing the need to recover costs and invest in infrastructure upgrades.

The protests resulted in clashes with the police, who used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Several protesters were arrested, and there were reports of injuries on both sides. The disruptions caused by the protests also led to significant economic losses for businesses and commuters, as the N2 was closed for several days.

Since then, little progress has been made to address the root causes of the protests, and residents of Railton are once again expressing their fears that the situation could boil over once more. The RCDF has stated that despite promises from the local government and Eskom to find solutions to the electricity affordability crisis, nothing has changed.

The community remains frustrated with the high cost of electricity, which they argue is unsustainable for many families, particularly those living below the poverty line. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing economic challenges facing the country, including high unemployment rates and inflation, which have left many South Africans struggling to make ends meet.

The lack of progress on this issue, coupled with the memories of the violent clashes between protesters and the police, have left the community on edge, with many expressing their concerns about the potential for renewed unrest. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities and community leaders, who are urging all parties to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis before it escalates further.

In the meantime, the RCDF and other community organizations are continuing their efforts to raise awareness about the issue and put pressure on the government and Eskom to take action to make electricity more affordable for low-income families. They are also exploring alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, to help reduce the reliance on Eskom and bring down electricity costs for the community.