COSATU Limpopo Province calls upon the Government of Limpopo, organised business, farmers unions, traditional leaders and healers, religious formations, youth and student organisations, sports and professional bodies, the ANC-led Alliance (SANCO & SACP) and the Mass Democratic Movement, and the broad population of Limpopo Province to come out strongly against ESKOM `s application to NERSA for an electricity tariff increase of the proposed 35% over 3 years.

We are convinced that, while state enterprises should be self -sustainable and their capacity enhanced to provide basic quality goods and services to the poor and working people, the 3-year 35 % electricity tariff increase request by ESKOM to NERSA , will have deep and far reaching negative impact on our economy, which has just bottomed-up from the current global economic recession.

If granted as it is, the request will lead to closure of most small scale industries, particularly in manufacturing and small scale commercial farmers, including growth of the mining industry.

For the Limpopo Province, these are the key job-creation sectors of our economy and they are currently struggling to survive and retain jobs that are in existence, the loss of which will lead to the deepening of poverty and massive job losses.

We therefore call upon all our people to further mobilise in preparations for our engagements with ESCOM at NERSA tomorrow, 12th January 2010 in Polokwane.

On our part, COSATU has mobilised its entire 60-member-strong PEC and it will be presenting to NERSA from 10h00 to 10h30.