TZANEEN – Residents of Nkowankowa, Lenyenye, Deerpark, and Taganashoek could soon face a severe electricity crisis if urgent action is not taken within the next week.

This follows a public notice issued by July Mathebula Attorneys, representing Lindor Ondernemings CC, the legal owners of the land known as Tarentaalrand 524 LT, where the Tarentaal power substation is located.

The substation, owned by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM), supplies electricity to several communities in the area. However, GTM does not have a formal lease agreement for occupying the land. On Monday, 22 September, the landowner’s attorneys issued a notice of their intention to remove the substation in three phases, citing the municipality’s continued failure to engage on the matter.

“We have not received any communication from the GTM since our last meeting on 14 July,” the attorneys stated. “Despite agreeing to hold a final meeting to resolve the issue, the municipality has shown no urgency. Out of concern for the thousands of residents affected, our client has chosen to notify the public directly.”

According to the notice, disconnection of the substation is scheduled to begin seven days from the date of issue, by Monday, 29 September, unless GTM intervenes.

The physical dismantling of the substation is set to begin 14 days after disconnection, followed by the removal of components and power lines 10 days later.

The legal dispute dates back to March 12, 2023, when the Limpopo High Court ruled that GTM must vacate the land by April 12, 2024, and pay damages for unlawful occupation.

Although settlement talks between the parties have taken place, and at one stage appeared promising, no resolution has been reached.

Last week, GTM’s legal team requested an extension until the end of this week. However, July Mathebula Attorneys declined, stating they would no longer grant further postponements.