This is reportedly in order for Eskom to take over the electricity distribution, its billing and maintenance in the municipality.

MAP16 spokesperson, Paratlane Motloung, told OFM News that the National Treasury, Provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), and South African Local Government Association (Salga) are expected to be part of the meeting.

Motloung said the new administration restarted the process of discussions to have Eskom assist the municipality after the 2021 local government elections, which initially started under the previous administration before the elections.

“This was as a result of the court action that some business people in our area had undertaken to take the municipality to court, to say Eskom must take over. Eventually, the court agreed, and issued a court order that directed that Eskom should take over [certain functions]. However, there were some substantive clauses which the two parties could not agree upon and as a result, the discussions or negotiations collapsed.”

OFM News previously reported that a 15-year-old boy died on 26 June 2022 during a protest after falling off a bakkie while protestors burned tyres and closed off roads, demanding to speak to the Executive Mayor, Gilbert Mokotso.

According to the municipality’s new administration, MAP 16, no penalties for illegal electricity connections will be issued to Maluti-A-Phofung residents. The administration has started replacing bridged meter boxes with new sealed boxes as they battle the electricity crisis in the municipality.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi and Nomathamsanqa Mboyisi