MISA has raised concern that illuminating paraffin has been excluded from the government’s fuel relief programme.
Image: Dumisani Sibeko / Independent Newspapers
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has raised concern that illuminating paraffin has been excluded from government fuel relief measures, warning that poor households who rely on such support will face higher costs.
The organisation said this in a statement on Wednesday, as it welcomed the government’s decision to extend fuel levy relief on petrol and diesel. However, it expressed disappointment that paraffin users were left out of the relief measures.
"It is disappointing that millions of South Africans who rely on illuminating paraffin have been excluded from this relief. Paraffin prices are set to rise by R5 or more per litre in May, leaving the poorest households, who depend on it for cooking, heating and lighting, exposed to unbearable costs as winter approaches."
Martle Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: "This relief is welcome, but it cannot ignore the poorest of the poor, adding that families who rely on paraffin are being left behind. Government must urgently extend relief to paraffin users, or risk deepening inequality and hardship.
"MISA also welcomes progress in the review of the fuel pricing mechanism, but insists this process must be open, transparent and participatory. Workers, communities and civil society must have a voice in shaping how fuel prices are regulated in future."
MISA called on the "private sector to contribute to economic and social relief by committing to a moratorium on retrenchments."
"Rising fuel costs cannot be used as an excuse to shed jobs. Protecting workers and households must be the cornerstone of South Africa’s response to global instability."
IOL previously reported that low-income households across South Africa are facing high paraffin costs for cooking and heating, even as the government has temporarily reduced levies on petrol and diesel.
"The government does not care about the poor; that’s why they have not given relief for paraffin, as it is used by the poor mostly. They care more about the middle class who own cars," said Thapelo Mohapi, general secretary of Abahlali BaseMjondolo.
"Winter is coming, and families will struggle to keep children warm and cook food. When schools are closed, children won’t get the nutrition they need, and households will face rising food costs alongside unregulated paraffin prices."
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