Eskom tariffs | SAHRC warns high tariffs may spark unrest

JOHANNESBURG - The Human Rights Commission is warning that Eskom's proposed tariff hikes may lead to social unrest.

The utility has asked energy regulator Nersa for a 36 percent tariff increase for next year, sparking public outrage.

Human Rights Commissioner Sandra Makoasha says South Africans are already dealing with a lot.

"The proposed impact of the hike that the SAHRC has considered would be that it would then have South Africans choose between having electricity in the household and providing food on the table," she said.

"We've noted over the past few years that the price to fill a food basket has increased."