Lower the Cost of Living for South Africans

South Africans are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Families are spending more of their income on transport, electricity, housing, and basic necessities, while wages struggle to keep pace with rising costs. For many households, simply getting to work, keeping the lights on, and paying rent has become increasingly difficult.

The cost-of-living crisis is not inevitable. Government policies can reduce household expenses, improve economic opportunity, and create a more affordable future. Free SA is calling on government to implement practical reforms that directly lower the cost of transport, electricity, and housing—the three largest expenses facing millions of South Africans.

Make your voice heard
Key concerns
Our solutions
How you can help

Make your voice heard

We believe every South African deserves access to affordable transport, reliable and reasonably priced energy, and decent housing close to economic opportunities.

I support practical reforms to reduce the cost of living in South Africa.

Government must prioritise policies that lower transport costs, improve access to affordable electricity, and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Specifically, I support:

  • Reforming fuel levies and creating mechanisms to stabilise public transport costs.
  • Expanding energy competition, rooftop solar adoption, and municipal electricity procurement.
  • Accelerating the development of affordable rental housing near economic opportunities.

South Africans deserve policies that make daily life more affordable, strengthen household finances, and support long-term economic growth.

I urge policymakers to implement these reforms and place the needs of ordinary South Africans at the centre of economic decision-making.

More about this campaign

Key concerns

Rising Transport Costs

Transport remains one of the largest monthly expenses for working households. Fuel price increases often lead to permanent taxi fare increases, even when fuel prices later decline. This places an ongoing burden on workers, students, and families who rely on public transport every day.

Escalating Electricity Costs

Electricity tariffs have consistently increased faster than inflation, forcing households and businesses to pay more while receiving an increasingly unreliable service. South Africans are effectively paying for inefficiencies in the energy system through higher monthly bills.

Unaffordable Housing

Housing and utility costs consume a significant share of household income, particularly for low-income families. A shortage of affordable housing near employment centres forces many people to spend more on both rent and transport, trapping households in a cycle of rising expenses.

What we're advocating for

Expand a bit more about this campaign.

1

Reform the Fuel Price and Taxi Industry Funding Model

We call on government to:

  • Reduce the General Fuel Levy by R1 to R2 per litre during periods of exceptionally high oil prices.
  • Establish a Public Transport Stabilisation Fund to help shield commuters from sudden transport cost increases.
  • Provide conditional subsidies to taxi operators that commit to:
    • Digital fare monitoring and transparency.
    • Improved vehicle safety standards.
    • Reasonable limits on fare increases.

Expected outcomes:

  • Lower commuting costs for workers and students.
  • Greater transparency in fare adjustments.
  • Improved access to employment opportunities.
  • Immediate financial relief for households.

A worker currently spending between R1,500 and R2,000 per month on transport could save hundreds of rand annually.

2

Accelerate Rooftop Solar and Municipal Energy Competition

We call on government to:

  • Allow municipalities to procure electricity freely from independent power producers.
  • Expand tax incentives for rooftop solar installations.
  • Create government-backed low-interest Energy Upgrade Loans for households and small businesses.
  • Require municipalities to implement fair feed-in tariff systems that allow residents to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

Expected outcomes:

  • Lower household electricity bills over time.
  • Reduced pressure on Eskom.
  • Increased energy security and reliability.
  • Job creation in renewable energy installation and maintenance.

This is one of the most powerful long-term interventions available to reduce the cost of living while supporting economic growth.

3

Expand Social Housing and Affordable Rental Supply

We call on government to:

  • Release underutilised state-owned land near transport corridors and employment hubs.
  • Fast-track approvals for affordable housing developments.
  • Expand support for social housing institutions.
  • Create incentives for private developers to build affordable rental housing.

Target:

Deliver 250,000 affordable rental units over the next five years across South Africa’s major metropolitan areas.

Expected outcomes:

  • Lower rental inflation.
  • Reduced transport costs through better-located housing.
  • Improved access to jobs and economic opportunities.
  • Greater housing security for working families.

How you can help

The cost-of-living crisis affects every South African. By participating in this campaign, you can help shape policies that put money back into household budgets and make essential services more affordable.

Add your voice to call for:

  • Fairer transport costs.
  • Affordable and competitive electricity supply.
  • More accessible and affordable housing.
  • Practical reforms that improve everyday life for ordinary South Africans.

Every submission demonstrates public support for solutions that reduce financial pressure on families and strengthen economic opportunity.

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