Looming power cuts in Joburg over debt cause outrage

Looming power cuts in Joburg over debt cause outrage Estelle.BronkhorstSat, 11/09/2024 - 08:55 JOHANNESBURG - Business owners and residents in Randburg, north of Johannesburg, have voiced their anger and frustration with City Power as they brace for more power cuts.This comes after Eskom served the City of Johannesburg with a notice of intent to stop supplying electricity due to unpaid bills.According to Eskom, the city and its utility, City Power, owe nearly R5-billion to Eskom. Now the power utility has decided to cut power to the city at certain times throughout the day.The looming power cuts have sparked outrage among residents, including Thabo Mabe. Joburg resident Thabo Mabe He thinks it is unfair that he must face the consequences of the city's financial mismanagement.“It’s not fair that, because the municipality isn’t paying, I have to suffer. I pay for electricity,” Mabe said.He said the power cuts would be a major inconvenience."I need to get ready for work and I have a child to prepare for school. Lunch must be made - how will that happen without electricity?” Mabe asked.Meanwhile local business owner Keabetswe Molose, who runs a fast-food business, said he was already struggling with load reduction and more power cuts could cripple his business. Local business owner Keabetswe Molose He criticised Eskom’s decision, claiming it unfairly targeted small businesses.“It’s unfair that people at the bottom have to bear the brunt of decisions made by those at the top."This situation makes me question whether the government truly has the people’s best interests at heart," he said.Siphelele Nkwanyana is a fashion design student who relies on electricity. Student Siphelele Nkwanyana "As a citizen who pays for electricity, it’s unfair to go days without power. I’ll struggle immensely because I need electricity for everything from using Wi-Fi to sewing.”Buhle Vando works remotely and relies on an internet connection and electricity to do his job. Joburg resident Buhle Vando He said he spends about R800 a month on electricity and feels cheated despite paying his bills.“Many South Africans don’t pay for electricity, and some even connect illegally, which adds to City Power’s debt.“But that doesn’t mean that those of us who do pay should suffer," he said.Vando urged Eskom and City Power to find an alternative solution.The metro has called Eskom's move counterproductive and unjust. It’s urging the power utility to retract its notice and negotiate in order to find a solution.Zandile Khumalo filed this report.