Michael Waters MPL, the DA’s Kempton Park constituency head, said the party “stands firmly with the residents of Kempton Park” following what he describes as repeated and prolonged electricity outages.

According to Waters, the situation “has now reached a breaking point”, and he believes the City of Ekurhuleni can no longer rely on “excuses” as outages continue to affect households and businesses across the area.

Waters said the City has a legal responsibility to protect its electricity infrastructure, as outlined in its NERSA distribution licence, which requires the municipality to:

“operate, maintain and protect its distribution system to ensure a safe, reliable and continuous supply of electricity.”

He said that each instance of cable theft resulting in extended outages amounts to a breach of this licence.

“Every time residents suffer, businesses close, or vulnerable households sit in the dark, it is the City that must answer,” Waters said.

He further claimed that Ekurhuleni “has no credible security plan, no proactive monitoring, and no rapid response strategy” to protect electrical infrastructure in high-risk areas such as Ward 25.

The DA has now escalated the matter to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), calling for urgent intervention. Waters confirmed that a formal complaint will be submitted, requesting:

• An investigation into the City’s failure to secure its electricity infrastructure
• Enforcement action against the City for allegedly breaching its distribution licence conditions
• A directive compelling the City to implement a proper infrastructure-protection plan in Ward 25 and other high-risk areas

The Kempton Express has requested comment from NERSA as well as the City of Ekurhuleni. Any communication will form part of follow-up coverage on this matter.