Mashishing community in Mpumalanga raise concerns over solar levies

Residents and business owners in the Mashishing community, formerly known as Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, have expressed concerns over the potential introduction of solar levies. Allegations have surfaced that the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality is planning to impose solar levies on individuals and businesses that utilize solar panels.

However, C.P Prinsloo, a solar panel business owner, claims that the announcement of this levy has not been made through public meetings, causing uncertainty and fear among potential solar panel installers. Prinsloo further explains that this levy could deter people from installing solar panels due to the added cost, despite the municipality's ongoing struggles with maintaining adequate electricity supply.

According to him, households and businesses are currently experiencing voltage levels as low as 150 volts, making it difficult to run a business under such circumstances.

In response, Friddah Nkadimeng, the Executive Mayor of the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, vehemently denies that solar panel users will be required to pay any solar levy. She asserts that they have not implemented any such levy and that the charges they currently apply are solely for connectivity, which is considered a basic service.

Nkadimeng emphasizes that any new charges would be introduced with the community's input and after public consultations, as the municipality operates within the framework of regulations and follows due process, including holding meetings with the community to discuss proposed changes.