EFF leader Julius Malema has promised that SASSA beneficiaries would receive free basic services, including water and electricity, if his party gets the opportunity to govern. He made the remarks while addressing the EFF Ground Forces Forum in Umsunduzi, Pietermaritzburg. The event forms part of the party’s campaign ahead of the 4 November local government elections.
Malema criticised the cost of electricity in South Africa, arguing that Eskom should not operate for profit. He said electricity should be treated as a basic right and made affordable to households. “Why should electricity be so expensive? Why should Eskom make a profit? We don’t want Eskom to make a profit because giving people electricity is not a business. It’s a basic right. Profit must be made by companies,” he said.
Malema Promises Free Electricity And Water For SASSA Beneficiaries
Malema said an EFF government would link government systems so municipalities could automatically identify people receiving SASSA grants. He argued that beneficiaries should not repeatedly have to prove their financial circumstances when applying for basic services.
“We must take you to SASSA. Once we find you at SASSA, we know this woman is poor. Therefore, we must give her free electricity,” he said.
He said the same system should apply to water and electricity accounts. “This is one government. So that when they punch your ID, it must already tell them this is a SASSA beneficiary,” he said. “Then automatically, they exclude you from paying for water and electricity because you are poor.”
EFF Says Poor Households Should Not Pay For Basic Services
The SASSA beneficiaries would not have to repeatedly declare their financial status to municipal officials under the system proposed by Malema.
He compared the arrangement to no-fee schools, where certain communities are identified as unable to afford school fees. “Why do you say they are poor when it comes to school, but when it comes to electricity, they are rich, they must pay?” he asked.
[ANC Names Chikane, Morero And Masuku As Potential Johannesburg Mayoral Candidates]
Malema said households in areas with no-fee schools should automatically qualify for free water and electricity. He said this should continue until residents are able to find employment and afford the services.
Malema Calls For Free University Fees For Poor Students
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
Malema also addressed university registration fees, saying children from SASSA households should not be required to pay them. He questioned why students could receive free schooling but face registration costs when entering higher education. “There shouldn’t be fees at all for children of the beneficiaries of SASSA,” he said.
He also said children from no-fee schools should automatically qualify for admission to higher education. “For children who come from no-fee schools, automatically their qualifications must enter them into the university,” he said.
