PETROL IS CHEAPER IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, YET THOSE COUNTRIES BUY IT FROM SA

Petrol is cheaper in neighbouring African countries, yet those countries buy the selfsame petrol from South Africa.

This is the sentiment expressed by Progressive Civics Congress senior official Thozama Figlan during a protest march staged by the organisation at the headquarters of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on Tuesday in Tshwane.

“We are here today because of fuel hikes and we would also like to highlight the fact that the mining industry as a whole in South Africa, including in Gauteng, doesn’t comply with the laws which state that in order for one to start mining activities, one must first have a Social Labour Plan (SLP), and the department knows about this transgression yet it is keeping mum about it and we are therefore calling for compliance among these mining companies, and for the fuel price to go down,” she said.

Figlan added that as PCC they have been speaking to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy about compliance since 2024 and there hasn’t been any response from them and that is why they have decided to come to the department’s headquarters to deliver their grievances yet again.

Figlan pointed out that high costs of electricity lead to an increase in the price of many things including food and that the unaffordable price of food leads to many families going to bed on hungry stomachs.

“We want all families to be able to eat at night before going to bed and another thing is that the economy is stagnant and we are therefore calling for all those mines which are closed to be reopened so that people can be employed and earn salaries and therefore have buying power,” enthused Figlan.

She said there is a 64% unemployment rate in South Africa and that there are people who are stealing the minerals of this country and taking them away to other countries and President Cyril Ramaphosa is doing nothing about this state of affairs.

Sarah Mthimunye from Olivenhoutbosch who also attended the march said the increase in fuel prices was disastrous and called on President Ramaphosa to make sure that the fuel price doesn’t increase.

“The increased cost of fuel as well as illegal mines have a disastrous effect on South Africans becsuse many South Africans are unemployed and those earning social grants can’t enjoy a decent life with that small amount of money and the fact remains that ANC members give jobs to their friends and relatives,” said Mzwandile Mlambo from Tsakane in Brakpan.

He pointed out that even indigent pensioners who will eventually be given paupers funerals are still expected to pay for water and electricity.

Mlambo decried the fact that it is mostly foreigners who get employed in South Africa and that these foreigners take the money that they earn here in South Africa back to their own countries and this leaves the country poorer,” he said.

He emphasised that President Cyril Ramaphosa must quit his position and concentrate on his many businesses as he doesn’t have the calling to be a political leader of the oppressed people.

Director in the supply section of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Makhosini Mngomezulu acknowledged receipt of the memorandum which demands a decrease in fuel prices and the implementation of the Social Labour Plan and promised to pass the memorandum to his superiors in the department.

The march was led by Progressive Civic Congress and was suppoted by Operation Dudula, Abahambe civic movement, Progressive Forces, Defend South Africa, Re YaGa Community Project and community members from different communities across Gauteng.

Copy of memorandum:

DOC-20260413-WA0403.

Fuel station opening Speech by President Tsebe