Woman Compares Electricity Units Bought in 2014 vs. 2025, Mzansi Relates

• A woman's TikTok video, comparing the electricity units bought with R300 in 2014 and 2025, resonated with viewers
• Her 2025 figure highlighted the reality of rising electricity costs in South Africa, sparking a lively discussion
• Many viewers in the comments shared similar frustrations, discussing how price hikes have impacted their daily lives

South Africans reacted to a woman's playful but pointed comparison of electricity units over the years, agreeing that the rising prices have become a serious challenge.

A video posted by TikTok user @odwa_mzuzu has sparked a wave of conversation after a woman compared the number of electricity units she could buy with R300 in 2014 versus 2025. In her clip, she shared that in 2014, R300 could buy 253.7 units of electricity. For 2025, she jokingly claimed she could only get 5.7 units for the same amount, using humour to reflect on the sharp rise in electricity prices.

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While her 2025 figure was exaggerated for comedic effect, her point resonated with many South Africans who have been feeling the pinch of increasing costs. The reality is that electricity prices have steadily climbed over the years, leaving households with less power for the same budget. For many, it has meant being more cautious about usage and looking for ways to stretch every unit.

Mzansi reacts to rising electricity costs

The comments section of the video quickly turned into a discussion about how expensive electricity has become. People shared their own comparisons of past and present unit prices, with many agreeing that the increases have been steep. Some spoke about how they’ve had to reduce their consumption or change their daily routines to keep bills manageable.

It’s a conversation that touches on broader frustrations about the cost of living in South Africa. The video might have been lighthearted, but the reality behind it is something many are struggling with.

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Mzansi reacted to the video

Tebza said:

"We only get 150 units for R300, and it’s honestly becoming impossible to afford electricity like this."

Nikiwe Papier commented:

"You’re actually better off than I. Today I bought R500 worth of electricity and only got 168 units."

Geisher Lekone wrote:

"Electricity is no longer for ordinary people. It feels like it’s only for the rich now, and it’s so frustrating."

Shego commented:

"I refuse to buy electricity when there are people stealing millions in this country and they still haven’t been arrested."

Mama Pumpy wrote:

"The government must do something about this. Electricity is so expensive now that it’s even more costly than petrol."

Maphuthi_Forever living commented:

"In Ekurhuleni, it’s even worse. I had to pay R3,800 for rates and taxes, and then spent R1,000 on electricity but didn’t even get 300 units."

Naresepuru said:

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"For the first time in my life, I’m actually considering those guys who offer 1,000 kW for R200, even though I know it’s suspicious."

Hey wrote:

"I’m upset because Ekurhuleni has now introduced a fixed charge of over a hundred rand every month, and they deduct it automatically when you buy electricity."

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories about electricity

• Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the electricity minister, said that the government is taking a look at the electricity policy.
• A woman from Figtree, Mpumalanga, shared how she turned her fridge into a wardrobe after months without electricity.
• Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa called for an urgent review of South Africa's electricity price structures.

Source: Briefly News