By Anita Dangazele
- Eskom workers face danger in rural Eastern Cape with 19 violent attacks since April 2024.
- Rural communities might lose power repairs if attacks on Eskom workers don’t stop.
Eskom has warned it might pull its workers out of the O.R Tambo District after 19 violent attacks and hijackings since April 2024.
The power company says it may stop sending technicians to fix electricity in King Sabata Dalindyebo and Port St Johns municipalities, and Tsolo in Kumkani Mhlontlo municipality. Workers there have been attacked, hijacked and robbed.
Many areas in these municipalities are in rural areas where some villages still have no electricity. When the power goes out, some places stay in the dark for days.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena spoke out against the attacks.
“The consequences of these attacks extend beyond individual safety concerns. They contribute to the deterioration of public infrastructure, jeopardise energy security, disrupt electricity supply, result in financial losses, and create an unsafe work environment,” she said.
Mokwena said criminals have cost Eskom R2.6 million through 14 armed robberies and five hijackings between April 2024 and January 2025.
Only one stolen vehicle was found in January 2025. Its dashboard was broken and the whole vehicle was badly damaged.
She said police are investigating all the cases that were reported.
Eskom is working with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to stop these attacks.
“However, should the situation persist, Eskom may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas. This would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses. The safety of Eskom employees is non-negotiable,” Mokwena added.
King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said losing Eskom services would hurt the area “as there will be great inconvenience and a delay time factor in the electricity service rendering system”.
“We do have some villages that are still to be electrified or connected to the grid,” Mampoza said.
Port St John’s municipality spokesperson Simthandile Ford said they haven’t received any official letter from Eskom about this.
King Mhlontlo spokesperson Mamela Mangcotywa said they are taking steps to make sure Eskom keeps working in their area.
Pictured above: Eskom technicians fixing a faulty electrical connection.
Image source: ESKOM HLD SOC LTD
