SABC investigate Eskom issue
The SABC recently sent an investigation team to Lydenburg to find out more about the possible shutdown of bulk electricity supple to the town by Eskom
LYDENBURG – The SABC news crew recently paid a visit to the town concerning the crisis in which Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM) found itself with regard to its R150 million overdue Eskom account.
Only after they interviewed various business owners and DA councillor, Sonja Boshoff, was it established that an agreement had indeed been reached between Eskom and TCM.
Mpumalanga Government had to intervene drastically last Friday after the notice of disconnection was issued.
It has been placed under administration three times in the past seven years, mainly because of maladministration and fraudulent misconducts.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News was present while cameras were rolling and can inform residents of what had been said during the various interviews.
Prominent businessman, Mr Martiens van der Merwe told SABC journalist, Siphephile Kunene that if Eskom were to cut the electricity, the Office of the Premier should be taken to task. “The previous municipal manager, Mr Burton Koma left Lydenburg under a fraudulent dust cloud. I was personally informed that he was dishing out millions of rand. He literally had piles of money in his car’s boot.”
Boshoff said the DA is concerned about the current situation. “It is unfair towards the residents who regularly pay their accounts and are left to suffer. Where has the money gone? ” she asked.
She said that without electricity, our taps will also run dry.
Although the broadcast never aired on television it is clear that there is now a national concern regarding the maladministration of TCM.
