National energy loss reduction programme arrives in KwaDukuza

Civic bodies and councillors are pushing for a national energy loss reduction programme to be fast-tracked in KwaDukuza.

The RT-29 transversal programme is a national government contract which allows pre-approved service providers to install modern prepaid smart meters without time-consuming tender processes. Advocates of the programme, which has most recently been used to good effect in Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape, say it could be a partial solution to KwaDukuza electricity woes.

Modern meters are more accurate and provide real-time data, helping to identify cases of tampering. Energy losses have long been a major issue in KwaDukuza, rising from 25.39% in 2022/2023 to 26.73% in 2024/2025. The municipality has lost more than R1-billion in the last five years.

“The RT-29 transversal contract offers a real chance to reduce losses and stabilise the electricity unit,” said Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Assocation (Docrra) chairman, Deon Viljoen.

“Every week of delay costs KwaDukuza at least R4-million, Council should ensure the contracts are signed and the programme launched without further delay.”

In KwaDukuza, Vodacom received a letter of appointment as the service provide in March, but the main contract and large power user contract remain unsigned. Tensions ran high during a special council meeting held to discuss the delay last Tuesday.

KwaDukuza electrical engineering executive director, Sibusiso Jali, and chief financial officer, Shamir Rajcoomar, were unable to give clear answers on the matter and it remained unresolved. Rajcoomar did confirm, however, that although the main contract has not been signed, Vodacom has already begun vending services and that early results are encouraging.

Vodacom’s executive head for smart utilities, Maanda Ramutumbu, said the company will use its own technology network and only earn income from revenue it helps the municipality to recover. He said the company will also manage the prepaid vending system and help correct billing for large power users whose accounts may be inaccurate.

“When electricity is lost or incorrectly billed, the municipality still pays Eskom. Our system helps reduce these losses and recover revenue,” said Ramutumbu.

The matter is expected to return to council later this month for further discussion.

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