PREPAID electricity customers across eThekwini are still unable to purchase tokens through banking applications, retail outlets and third-party mobile vending platforms as the City works to restore its external vending system.

The eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate said the disruption, which began over the weekend, was caused by an internet service provider connectivity fault affecting third-party vending channels.

Customers needing to purchase electricity have been advised to visit one of six Electricity Customer Service Centres until the system is restored.

These include Electricity Headquarters at 1 Jelf Taylor Crescent in Rotunda, Bester Customer Services Centre in KwaMashu, Isipingo, Pinetown, uMhlanga and Queensburgh.

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Durban resident Philile Msomi said she was struggling since Sunday night without power.

“It was a struggle to get the kids ready for school this morning (Monday),” said Msomi who was queuing outside customer services at around 07:30.

“I went to bed on Sunday night thinking that the problem would be resolved in the morning but there was no such luck.”

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said work to resolve the problem was continuing.

“The City apologises for the inconvenience this challenge has caused customers and appreciates their understanding and patience as work to resolve it continues.

”The municipality said updates on the restoration of the external prepaid electricity vending system would be communicated through its official communication platforms. The City initially attributed the disruption to a technical interruption and appealed to customers for patience while investigations and remedial work continued,” Mzila said.

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