A tariff is a charge or rate applied to a service, such as water or electricity, which varies depending on the amount of the service consumed. In this context, the rate increases as more units ar

$$22.5 \text{ kl} \times \text{R}32.43/\text{kl} = \text{R}729.675$$

Total cost:

$$\text{R}104.22 + \text{R}107.415 + \text{R}729.675 = \text{R}941.31$$

Mr. Sithole will pay $\boxed{\text{R}941.31}$.

5. To calculate the cost for 33kl of water under 2021/22 tariffs for a non-indigent household:

$$22.5 \text{ kl} \times \text{R}34.05/\text{kl} = \text{R}766.125$$

Total cost:

$$\text{R}109.38 + \text{R}112.77 + \text{R}766.125 = \text{R}988.275$$

Mr. Sithole will pay $\boxed{\text{R}988.28}$.

6. To verify Mr. Sithole's claim for 20kl of water under 2020/21 tariffs:

Non-indigent household cost for 20kl:

Total non-indigent cost: $\text{R}104.22 + \text{R}107.415 + \text{R}308.085 = \text{R}519.72$

Indigent household cost for 20kl:
Step 1 (first 6kl): Free = $\text{R}0.00$

Total indigent cost: $\text{R}0.00 + \text{R}107.415 + \text{R}308.085 = \text{R}415.50$

Percentage difference:

$$\frac{\text{Non-indigent cost} - \text{Indigent cost}}{\text{Indigent cost}} \times 100\% = \frac{\text{R}519.72 - \text{R}415.50}{\text{R}415.50} \times 100\%$$ $$= \frac{\text{R}104.22}{\text{R}415.50} \times 100\% \approx 25.08\%$$

Mr. Sithole's claim that a non-indigent household will pay 20% more is ❌ incorrect. The calculation shows they will pay approximately 25.08% more.

7. People pay more if they use more water to encourage water conservation and ensure sustainable resource management. This tiered pricing structure also helps cover the increasing costs associated with supplying higher volumes of water.