Today, 26 April 2019, I have written to Eskom on behalf of the residents of ward 129 Doornkop, demanding that Eskom address the residents of the ward as to why electricity to the community, which exclusively relies on the entity for power, has been allegedly cut for 6 months without any explanation.
This is after protests in the area – as a result of the allegedly unexplained disconnections - resulted in the death of a youth, whose family I visited earlier today.
My deepest condolences to the family and their loved ones.
I have requested that the MMC for Health and Social Development, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, ensure that our social workers provide the family with much-needed support through this difficult time. I also had the opportunity, to address the community on their plight, together with Cllr Donald Mabunda, the EFF’s member on the Section 79 Public Safety Committee.
As such, in my letter, I have demanded that Eskom –
• Provides reasons for the disconnections by Monday, 29 April 2019, to my office; and
• Eskom commits to holding a public meeting within the community in order to address residents for the concerns raised by residents.
The continued protest action is a major risk to the life, dignity and property of the community of Ward 129 Doornkop.
Eskom’s conduct in this matter indicative of a state-owned entity that simply does not care about the citizens it serves. It is simply not fair to cut the residents' electricity off and not give them written reasons why.
More so, in the present circumstances, the likelihood of increased reliance on illegal connections within the area is increased, posing further danger within the community.
Presently, the community has agreed to suspend all protest action pending the response from Eskom.
I hope Eskom will ensure that they engage residents so that a speedy resolution to the matter can be found.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Media queries, contact:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 6727
Cellular: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
