Eskom has defended its decision to remove 35 transformers from Diepsloot Extension 6 in August last year, saying the equipment was illegally connected and posed a risk to both the power network and its technicians.

This comes as the community enters its 15th month without electricity, with only 11 of 35 transformers replaced to date.

The residents have consistently denied Eskom’s claims of illegal connections. They argue that Diepsloot Extension 6 consists of formal RDP houses supplied through Eskom’s official network and not informal structures.

Read more: Diepsloot Ext 6 sits in darkness

Following protests and engagements with Eskom, the community said an agreement was reached that residents would pay fines in exchange for the restoration of electricity.

To date, only 11 of the 35 removed transformers have been replaced, a situation that has fuelled growing tension within the community, with some households now having power while others remain in the dark.

Residents have also submitted complaints to the Mnandi Eskom offices and even lodged a memorandum at the Union Buildings, but say no clear long-term solution has been communicated.

Responding to questions, Amanda Qithi Baanyang from Eskom’s Gauteng Media Office said the decision to remove the transformers was based on safety and compliance concerns.

“The transformers that were removed were illegally connected to Eskom’s network. These illegal practices compromise Eskom’s financial health and its ability to deliver a dependable electricity supply to legitimate customers. Illegally connected transformers destabilise the network, causing frequent supply interruptions, extended outages, and poor-quality service, and they pose serious safety risks to Eskom technicians.”

Also read: City Power restores street lights after 8 months

Qithi Baanyang further explained that the removed transformers were deemed illegal because they were not installed by Eskom and did not meet the utility’s technical standards.

On the slow pace of restoration, Eskom said transformer replacement is linked to a wider credit management and infrastructure upgrade process.

“Customers found to be tampering or bypassing meters are fined in line with Eskom’s normal credit management processes. We are currently busy with the installation of smart meters and pole-top boxes for customers who have reached the 60% payment threshold.”

In areas with outdated meters, Eskom said these are being replaced with prepaid smart meters as part of the recovery process.

With no confirmed timeline for the full restoration of electricity, frustrations continue to mount in Diepsloot Extension 6 as residents wait for what they describe as a basic and essential service to be fully restored.

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