VANDERBIJLPARK. – The Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Reverend Gift Moerane was also affected by the power cuts that recently hit Vanderbijlpark, Bophelong, Steelpark near Vereeniging and other areas.

The distraught Mayor had to leave his podium in the middle of a speech to a congregation to give his attention to the electricity crisis recently.
He excused himself from the podium, saying that he had to go before things turns urgly.
A number of affected substations were visited by the mayor who went to at least three substations among many that had broken down just before the beginning of winter.

“I am the servant of the people,” said Moerane.
After speaking to technicians who accompanied him, Moerane told Sedibeng Ster that the problem would be attended to as soon as possible.
At the same time, he apologise to the affected communities, which have been without electricity for weeks at a time.
He said engineers must present their total report on how much it will cost to replace old panels of transformers like town substations.
“Soon I will meet with the Gauteng Premier. I must give him the total amount to bail us out. Emfuleni has been placed under administration and we are now banking on the province.”
Moerane also said he wants to consult the police about launching an investigation into the constant thefts of electrical cables.