The community of Orlando East, in Soweto went without power for two weeks and decided to embark on a protest on Monday, so that power can be restored.
The protest action has been going on for three days.
Palm Springs and Alexandra residents have also been without power, however, City Power has confirmed that they are working on restoring power in the areas.
Orlando East Ward 30 Councillor Sechaba Khumalo said the community left a complain letter with him over the weekend and came back to his place after three days. He said in that period of time he was in the meeting with African National Congress (ANC) councillors, Lekgotla in Vaal.
“I acted on their request on Monday and on Tuesday requested the branch chair to accompany them to Eskom. I had a crisis in my office where there were a lot of people who come for consultation with me. We had to postpone their appointment in the past because of the elections,” he said.
According to the councillor, power had been cut off for two weeks because transformers had burnt. Nationally it has been stated that people that are not buying electricity, when transformers are burnt, Eskom will not replace them.
Khumalo added that community should report the issue to Eskom call centre first and will be given reference number. He said the community will be given the time about when Eskom technicians will resolve their complaint.
“If Eskom do not attend the matter, then the Councillor can be put in position to escalate with Eskom leadership. This is what we have agreed upon with Eskom to assist communities. People are requested to sms or whatsapp because most of the time councillors and Eskom leadership are in a meeting”, he added.
Khumalo said Eskom should respond to the issue. On the call Councillor Khumalo had with Councillor Pat Ndlovu from Palm Springs, Ndlovu said offices were closed and there was no one to assist them when Khumalo wanted an answer from Eskom.
On the call, Councillor Ndlovu confirmed that the community came to her place in Palm Springs, and demanded electricity.
“We are at Palm Springs offices currently and there is no one to assist us as the offices are closed. I went with people to Eskom offices, as they demanded electricity. I did this for the safety of my family and me and wanted people to see and know that I know nothing about electricity. I went with ward members, delegation and community.
Khumalo said for people who do not pay Eskom services, Councillors do not have power over that. For those who are buying electricity and affected by the burnt transformers, will be isolated and their power will be switched on.
“For those who do not pay electricity and make extentions to those who pay, it will be the responsibility of those who pay when the power goes off again. Petitions were send to the wards and people were held hostages and not able to go to work. In demand of electricity, community at Palm Springs, in Vaal, held Eskom employees hostage in offices”, said Khumalo.
