Municipal Hikes Slash – As the calendar flipped to July 2025, thousands of low-income South African families woke up to a harsh financial reality—steep municipal rate increases have kicked in across several provinces, cutting deep into already strained SASSA budgets. For many relying on monthly SRD, Disability, or Child Support grants, the sudden R300–R500 monthly rise in municipal service bills has left them panicked and furious. Electricity tariffs, water rates, refuse collection, and sewerage charges have all been adjusted upward by municipal councils, citing inflation, infrastructure repair costs, and load-shedding mitigation as the main drivers. However, these explanations provide little comfort to grant-dependent households already grappling with high food and transport costs. A growing number of families now face a difficult trade-off—either settle rising municipal bills or cut down on essential groceries and medication. This article breaks down the new municipal rate hikes, how they are impacting SASSA recipients, which areas are worst hit, and what options people have to cope. We also cover how these price hikes interact with the unchanged R370 SRD grant and other fixed SASSA payouts, and explore whether any relief or legal challenges are on the horizon.
Municipal Hikes Slash Rolled Out from July 10
Several municipalities across the country have implemented tariff increases effective from 10 July 2025. These changes are now hitting residents with higher bills for basic services.
Key Increases That Affect SASSA Recipients:
- Electricity tariffs up by 12% on average
- Water charges raised by 8–15%
- Waste removal charges increased by up to R90
- Property rates increased by up to 9%
- Sewerage charges hiked by around 10%
- Prepaid meter fees increased in some metros
- Additional environmental levies introduced
Comparison of July 2025 Municipal Tariff Hikes
| Service Type | Old Monthly Cost (June 2025) | New Monthly Cost (July 2025) | Increase (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity (Basic) | R650 | R728 | +R78 |
| Water (6kl) | R180 | R207 | +R27 |
| Waste Removal | R160 | R250 | +R90 |
| Sewerage | R190 | R215 | +R25 |
| Property Rates | R350 | R382 | +R32 |
| Prepaid Meter Fee | R60 | R70 | +R10 |
| Environmental Levy | R0 | R45 | +R45 |
Which Municipal Hikes Slash Rates the Most?
While tariff hikes were seen nationally, some local governments introduced significantly higher increases. The hardest-hit areas are those where infrastructure backlogs and energy inefficiencies are most severe.
Worst-Hit Municipalities in July 2025
- City of Johannesburg – High electricity and refuse increases
- eThekwini (Durban) – Notable rise in sewerage and water tariffs
- Buffalo City – Environmental levy introduced, plus R300+ hike in total bill
- Tshwane – Waste removal and electricity fees significantly up
- Nelson Mandela Bay – Prepaid electricity users charged more per unit
Why These Tariffs Matter to SASSA Grant Recipients
With no increase in the R370 SRD Grant and minimal updates to other SASSA payments, the municipal hikes are eating directly into the already tight monthly budgets of millions.
How Grants Are Affected:
- SRD Grant (R370): Remains unchanged since 2022 despite inflation
- Child Support Grant (R530): Doesn’t account for rising living costs
- Disability Grant (R2,090): Absorbing municipal increases plus food inflation
- Old Age Grant (R2,180): Being drained by higher utility costs
Average Cost Breakdown for Grant Beneficiaries
| Grant Type | Monthly Income | Average Municipal Cost | Remaining Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRD (R370) | R370 | R390 | -R20 (Deficit) |
| Child Support | R530 | R415 | R115 |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | R865 | R1,225 |
| Old Age Grant | R2,180 | R910 | R1,270 |
Families Speak Out: “We’re Left with Nothing After Bills”
Residents across the country are taking to social media and community forums to share their distress, many revealing they are now skipping meals or delaying school transport for children.
Key Concerns Shared by Households:
- “Electricity finishes in 3 days now. What are we supposed to do?”
- “I can’t afford school uniforms because my water bill doubled.”
- “They increased everything but our grant still stays R370.”
Impact on Basic Survival
For many households, these hikes mean fewer groceries, delayed rent payments, and less money for transport to clinics or job interviews. Communities are seeing rising tension as support networks collapse under pressure.
Numeric Effects on Daily Budget
- Daily food budget reduced from R50 to R30
- Fewer prepaid electricity units per recharge
- Reduced ability to buy data or airtime for job applications
- Increased debt due to borrowing from loan sharks or neighbors
Government and Municipalities Respond
Despite public outrage, most municipalities insist the hikes are necessary to prevent service delivery collapse. However, public pressure is building for an emergency relief plan or review of the pricing structure for indigent residents.
Is Relief Coming?
So far, there has been no official word from the Department of Social Development or Treasury regarding increased support or subsidy programs.
What Experts Are Saying
Economists and civil society organizations argue that these hikes, without matching grant adjustments, worsen poverty and inequality. A coordinated relief strategy is being called for by several NGOs and policy analysts.
- “Grants must be inflation-linked or people will fall deeper into poverty.”
- “Municipalities should have exempted indigent households from hikes.”
- “The SRD grant is now worth less than 60% of its original buying power.”
What You Can Do If You’re Affected
Here are some steps families can consider:
- Apply for indigent support programs offered by your local municipality
- Report incorrect municipal bills to consumer protection hotlines
- Consider forming local civic groups to pressure municipalities
- Track household usage closely to avoid unnecessary surcharges
- Access food parcel programs run by NGOs and churches
Municipal Indigent Relief Programs (Sample)
| Municipality | Indigent Criteria | Relief Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Income < R4,000/month | 100% rebate on property rates, water |
| Cape Town | Registered on indigent register | Free 6kl water, 50kWh electricity |
| Tshwane | Unemployed/Grant-based income | Waste removal waiver, tariff subsidy |
| Buffalo City | Income below R3,500 | R200 voucher + water/electricity rebate |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | SRD or child grant recipients | Monthly subsidy + prepaid top-up |
| eThekwini | Pensioners & unemployed | 50% rates discount, refuse charge cut |
| Mangaung | Verified indigent list | Free basic services + debt write-off |
Despite mounting pressure, it appears that poor families in South Africa will need to navigate another difficult winter with tighter budgets and fewer options. Until either SASSA grant values are adjusted or municipalities introduce broader relief, R300+ in added costs will continue to push families closer to the edge. Those already on the brink now face even more difficult choices about how to survive the month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will the SRD Grant be increased to match municipal hikes?
A: As of now, there is no confirmed plan to increase the SRD Grant, though pressure is mounting on the government to act.
Q2: Can I avoid paying the new rates if I’m unemployed or on a grant?
A: Some municipalities offer indigent support—apply at your nearest municipal office with proof of income.
Q3: How can I check if my area qualifies for indigent support?
A: Visit your municipality’s website or call the customer care line. You’ll need to submit proof of grant or low income.
Q4: What if I can’t pay my municipal bill this month?
A: Contact your municipality to negotiate a payment plan. Do not ignore the bill—it could lead to disconnection.
Q5: Are any NGOs providing help?
A: Yes, many NGOs and churches are distributing food parcels or assisting with municipal applications—check local notice boards or Facebook groups.