Eskom bans election posters on electricity poles

Eskom appealed to all political parties, independent candidates, supporters, campaign teams, advertising agencies, and members of the public not to place election posters, banners, or any promotional material on power infrastructure.

The appeal forms part of the power utility’s ongoing efforts to promote public safety and protect critical infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, Eskom said it observed an increase in election-related posters attached to electricity poles, mini-substations, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure during the campaign period.

“While electioneering is an important part of South Africa’s democratic process, electricity infrastructure must not be used for advertising or promotional purposes due to the significant safety risks involved,” the power utility’s statement read.

The ban on attaching unauthorised material to Eskom infrastructure applies throughout the year.

Risk arises when individuals climb poles, use ladders, or work in proximity to live electrical equipment while installing or removing posters, exposing them to electric shock, severe burns, serious injury, or death.

Unauthorised attachments can also damage infrastructure, obstruct maintenance activities, and compromise safe access to electrical equipment required to support reliable electricity supply.

Eskom urges all campaign teams to use only authorised advertising structures and to refrain from placing material on any electricity infrastructure, reminding members of the public to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous.

Unsafe activities involving Eskom infrastructure should be reported through Eskom’s customer service channels or local operating offices, and any unauthorised material attached to electricity infrastructure may be removed where necessary to protect public safety and ensure access.