Elections: What the ANC, DA, EFF and MK promise on electricity as load reduction lingers

With just two weeks remaining before the 4 November Local Government elections, the country’s major political parties have outlined their distinct visions for addressing South Africa’s ongoing electricity challenges, particularly as load reduction continues to affect communities.

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have centered their manifestos on the technical and administrative improvement of municipal electricity networks. Both parties emphasize the need for better infrastructure management to ensure stability at the local level.

In contrast, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have taken a ideological stance, advocating for electricity to be treated as a fundamental public good. The party’s platform suggests a shift away from market-driven models to ensure universal access.

The EFF continues to push for the insourcing of services and has reiterated calls for free electricity for social grant beneficiaries to alleviate the burden on the poor.

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has focused its energy policy on challenging the current reliance on private power producers, proposing a different approach to the country’s energy mix and procurement strategies.

As these parties campaign, the issue of load reduction remains a persistent concern for voters, despite government efforts to implement a phased elimination programme across the provinces.