Illegal electricity connections, discovered during a door-to-door visit in Zandspruit, have raised serious safety concerns, with ActionSA’s Sello Mabelebele calling on Eskom to investigate the matter urgently.

Mabelebele came across the connections, known locally as izinyoka nyoka, while walking through the area. He said the wiring appeared to belong to a nearby property and noted that a resident close by seemed unhappy that the connection had been pointed out. He said the matter needed to be brought to Eskom’s attention so that a proper investigation could take place.

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According to Mabelebele, this kind of illegal connection is not unique to Zandspruit. He said residents in Boundary, Cosmo City Ext 10 and Ext 3, and Honeydew face similar electricity problems linked to the same practice. He described the connections as widespread, and said they were a significant contributor to power disruptions in these communities. Mabelebele warned that the danger goes beyond inconvenience. He said incorrectly connected illegal wiring can result in death or start fires, making the issue an urgent safety concern rather than simply a technical one.

Responding to the concerns, Ward 114 councillor David Mangena confirmed that he is aware of the illegal connections in Zandspruit, and said the ward has been pushing Eskom to install proper electricity in the area, though progress has been slow. Mangena said the situation might have looked different had the area fallen under City Power’s supply area instead, since City Power works closely with the municipality, whereas Eskom operates independently and on its own terms.

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Mangena said the matter is one the ward raises repeatedly, stressing that residents are willing to pay for electricity, but that Eskom, as the service provider, has not treated the issue with the urgency it deserves. He pointed to the Zandspruit Clinic and Masakhane Primary School as stark examples, saying both facilities have gone without electricity for more than 13 years, despite the ward meeting every requirement Eskom has set.

He said Eskom has instead continued to offer excuses. In his view, the utility suffers from poor leadership and constant changes in management, which he believes prevents it from serving communities with the pride and consistency they deserve.

This publication approached Eskom on July 4 for comment and will update the article should a response be received.

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