Illegal connections cause two stages of load-shedding 

Illegal electricity connections to Eskom’s grid have resulted in two stages of load-shedding and damage to infrastructure, according to Mashangu Xivambu, a senior manager at the utility.  

These illegal connections create additional electricity demand and overload infrastructure, leading to network faults and unscheduled outages during load-shedding. Removing illegal connections has proven challenging due to safety concerns and threats against Eskom’s workers.  Eskom technicians recently abandoned an operation to remove illegal connections in the Marlboro industrial area after residents threatened violence. Residents often reconnect the wires after they are removed, creating a repeated cycle.  

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed grave concern about sabotage at Eskom, stating that there are highly organized attempts to undermine the country’s electricity supply.The government has established a group of intelligence and police experts to address crime, corruption, and safety at Eskom. Over 1,300 cases of sabotage have been reported, and more than 100 arrests have been made.  

Ramokgopa emphasized the need to identify the main orchestrators behind the sabotage and protect the country’s infrastructure. 

Read the full article here.