Numsa, as always at the top of its game, consulted other Cosatu affiliates about the public hearings staged by the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa, a day before the hearings took place in Port Elizabeth.

Present at the caucus meeting was Cosatu’s Eastern Cape secretary secretary Mandla Rayi, who led the delegation. Numsa was led by Mphumzi Maqungo from the national office and Tengo Tengela from Numsa research unit.

Mbona Tyhalisi, local organiser was responsible for logistics, which included briefing the Alliance partners about the devastating effects of the energy hike in the Nelson Mandela Metro and surrounding areas.

Numsa lobbied the employers and the public at large through community radio stations and the print media. The hearings were strongly attended by community members, workers, shop stewards and leaders of other affiliates of Cosatu.

It was clear from the hearings, held at Summer strand Inn, miles away from the working class and the poor community, that the event was not meant for us.

Although we share same views as business and the community on the tariff hike proposal by Eskom, our interests are contradictory they are there to maximize their profits, while our concern is people’s survival.

We need to light out houses, sustain our jobs and to put food on the table for our families.

Clearly our protest was not going to be successful only by the mere presentation of our views and by picketing outside the venue. With frustration building, they erupted in revolutionary song, demanding a broadening and greater inclusivity of the consultation.

It was unfair that these hearings are in the suburbs, far away from our communities, and to expect that hearings in Port Elizabeth can represent the entire Eastern Cape.

Nersa’s approach o demonstrates the arrogance of the state institutions entrusted with protecting the public interest, when they think the public is only for the rich and the business classes.

Ordinary people, the poor and the working class are viewed as a liability and burden to the capitalist class, who do not need to be consulted on these issues. We resisted being reduced to second-class citizens during apartheid era and we will do same against the current regime.

Our protest was a success and the hearing was adjourned for a later date to a venue accessible to the broader community. Amandla Awethu!!!!

Thabang Nchela is Numsa regional organiser, Eastern cape