The community expressed that the electricity crisis is not only an inconvenience, but also damages their appliances. They want the municipality to take accountability.

Another issue of concern, which angers the community, is reportedly the uneven power supply, where suburbs of the municipality experience fewer hours of load-shedding than rural areas.

In response to these concerns, Maluti-A-Phofung spokesperson, Thabo Khesa, explained that some of the issues surrounding the electricity crisis in the municipality are beyond their control and they will need much more time to resolve it. Khesa further stated that if people experience damage to appliances due to the electricity crisis and faults, they can report it to the municipal councillors.

“When the system gets overwhelmed - because of the old infrastructure that is in place - it can’t take the heat. In many instances the system will then switch off, it’s not intentional. Some of the sub-stations can only be put back onto the network by Eskom, which unfortunately cannot happen as and when we need it to happen.”

Neo Mokonenyane is a local businessman who owns Deslonlim Pty Ltd, a company that repairs cars. He explained that his business is faced with financial peril and lawsuits as some of his clients are threatening to sue after his workshop burned down in October 2021 due to an electrical fault, damaging about nine cars.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi