The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature calls for the government to urgently put measures in place to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on poverty-stricken KwaZulu-Natal communities.
If no funds are immediately available for subsidies, the government should forge partnerships with stakeholders, such as businesses nationally and abroad.
Measures such as possibly negotiating with organised business to consider instituting a price freeze of basic necessities would go a long way to help those consumers that are already battling due to exorbitant fuel prices. An urgent solution is needed to salvage the situation for KwaZulu-Natal citizens, as this Province is already reeling from the impact of the 2021 July unrest, the recent floods, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fuel price is expected to increase tonight by over two rand a litre.
As the IFP, we are concerned that this increase will result in yet another price hike for food and essential daily commodities. Transport costs and fares will surely also increase.
With the KwaZulu-Natal youth unemployment rate currently sitting at 59.3%, there is a very real possibility that crime will increase, as people become desperate.
This situation cannot be allowed to escalate beyond the point of no return.
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Contact
Hon. Otto Kunene
IFP KZN Legislature Spokesperson on Edtea
083 417 9944