02/07/2026
Feeling like your money doesn't stretch as far anymore? You're not imagining it.
From 1 July, Nelson Mandela Bay's new municipal tariffs came into effect:
⚡ Electricity: +10.95%
💧 Water: +6.5%
🚽 Sanitation: +6.5%
🗑 Refuse Removal: +6.5%
🏠 Property Rates: +5.5%
For many families, this isn't just another price increase.
It means:
• Your monthly electricity budget won't buy as many units as it did last month.
• Your municipal account will be higher before you've even switched on a light.
• Every household now has less room in its budget for groceries, school expenses, fuel and unexpected costs.
What worries me most is that many people are already living from payday to payday. These increases don't just affect "big spenders" – they affect pensioners, working families, single parents and anyone trying to make ends meet.
If your electricity tariff now includes higher fixed monthly charges, you'll pay more even before you've used much electricity. That means using fewer units doesn't always lead to the savings people expect. It's becoming more important than ever to budget carefully and understand exactly what you're being charged for.
If you're starting to feel like your income simply isn't keeping up with the cost of living, don't ignore it. The earlier you review your finances, the more options you have before debt starts piling up.
📩 If you'd like help reviewing your monthly budget or finding ways to reduce financial pressure, send me a WhatsApp on **071 900 6298**.
You're not the only one feeling the squeeze—and you don't have to face it alone.
