UASA Media Release: 13 April 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA welcomes Eskom’s 62c/kWh tariff deal with Samancor Chrome and Glencore-Merafe Chrome.
After months of delays in negotiations between the power supplier and the Ferrochrome smelters, the proposed tariff will make it financially sustainable for the companies to continue operating and compete with other African chrome producers.
Although the agreement still requires approval from the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), UASA is pleased that jobs at these companies will be preserved and that Eskom will be able to maintain viable revenue from the smelters, which are major customers of the utility.
A few months ago, Samancor Chrome ceased issuing Section 189A notices after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eskom, and a task team was formed to develop solutions to address challenges caused by rising electricity prices.
This tariff deal will also help Eskom achieve predictable sales volumes for the next five years, safeguard public investments in the utility, and support its capacity to promote reindustrialisation and economic growth.
The ferroalloy value chain provides around 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.
We hope Nersa will approve this tariff deal, which impacts many livelihoods. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs under circumstances that could be addressed through intervention and solutions involving all parties.
UASA remains optimistic that this five-year agreement will be viable for everyone involved.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.