South African municipalities officially raised their tariffs on 1 July 2025, placing even more pressure on household budgets already battered by the high cost of living. With this jump, many residents now want to know: Can we challenge these increases? In short, yes, and here’s how.
This guide explains, step by step, how you can contest municipal tariff hikes if they are unlawful, unaffordable, or imposed without proper processes.
It draws on South African law, recent court cases, and expert advice.
Quick Look: Which laws apply?
| Type of tariff | Main laws | Oversight / approvals |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity tariffs | Electricity Regulation Act, requires cost-of-supply studies | NERSA (National Energy Regulator of SA) |
| Water, refuse, property rates | Municipal Systems Act (public participation, fairness) | Local municipal council |
Knowing which law applies is key — for example, electricity tariffs without a valid cost-of-supply (CoS) study are unlawful (backed by the 2024 AfriForum court ruling).
Step 1: Lodge an appeal with your municipality
The law:
Section 62 of the Municipal Systems Act lets you appeal a municipal decision that affects your rights—such as new tariffs.
What to do:
- Write a clear appeal letter to the municipal manager, explaining why you believe the tariffs are unjust, unaffordable, or unlawful (like no public consultation or missing cost studies).
- Submit this within 21 days of being notified (check your bill or municipal notices for exact dates).
Who decides?
- If staff made the decision: appeal goes to the municipal manager.
- If the manager decided: it goes to the executive mayor or committee.
- If the council decided: it goes to a committee of councillors.
They must start considering it within 6 weeks.
Step 2: Verify if the tariffs followed the law
Many tariffs can be challenged if municipalities didn’t do required studies or hold proper public meetings.
Check for:
- For electricity: Did the municipality do a cost-of-supply study and submit it to NERSA?
- For all tariffs: Was there enough public consultation under the Municipal Systems Act?
Get evidence:
- Use the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to request:
- Cost-of-supply studies
- Records of public meetings or notices
If they didn’t do this, it’s a strong legal point to challenge the increases.
Step 3: If the appeal fails or time is up, get legal help
Lawyers and rights organisations can help you:
- Schindlers Attorneys specialise in municipal, human rights, and property law.
- Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr also deal with public and administrative law.
- AfriForum has won key court cases against unlawful tariffs and can also lead class actions.
Can’t afford it?
- Ask AfriForum or the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) if they can take your case pro-bono.
Step 4: Lodge a complaint with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
If these tariffs threaten your right to basic services, you can submit a complaint to the SAHRC.
How to do it:
- Complete the complaint form on www.sahrc.org.za.
- Explain how the tariffs hurt your rights — for example: “Since the increase on 1 July 2025, my family risks water disconnections because we can’t afford the bill.”
They can investigate and push municipalities to fix the situation, if need be.
Step 5: Engage your councillors and attend council meetings
Talk to your ward councillor — they’re supposed to represent your interests.
Also:
- Attend local council meetings and raise concerns.
- Submit written comments when budgets or tariffs are reviewed.
Even if this doesn’t reverse current increases, it builds pressure for fairer future decisions.
Step 6: Join or support class actions
Large collective actions often succeed where individuals struggle. For example, AfriForum’s 2024 case stopped some municipalities from increasing tariffs illegally.
Do this by:
- Asking AfriForum if you can join ongoing cases.
- Supporting local community initiatives challenging unfair increases.
Important reminders
- Act quickly: That 21-day appeal deadline is critical.
- Keep records: Save notices, bills, CoS studies, PAIA replies — all strengthen your case.
- Know it varies: Each municipality might have slightly different procedures. Always check your local municipality’s website or office.
Here is a checklist for you
✅ Notification of the tariff increase (bill or letter)
✅ Written appeal (if within 21 days)
✅ PAIA requests sent & responses saved
✅ Consulted lawyer or rights organisation
✅ Filed complaint to SAHRC if services are at risk
✅ Engaged with councillors or attended meetings
Furthermore, challenging municipal tariff hikes in South Africa isn’t easy, but it is possible and your right under the law. With the cost of living at record highs, using these steps could mean real relief for your household and your community.
If you’ve tried any of these steps or have questions, share your experience in the comments below.
Key references
- Municipal Systems Act (Section 62) – Appeals
- Electricity Regulation Act (Cost-of-Supply studies)
- PAIA – Access to public documents
- AfriForum & SERI – Community legal actions
- SAHRC – Lodge complaints
