Soweto residents march to Eskom over smart meter rollout concerns
About 600 residents from Soweto communities marched to Eskom headquarters in Sunninghill, calling for the suspension of smart meter installations over affordability, billing and consultation concerns.
The community of Soweto embarked on a peaceful march from Diepkloof Extreme Park in Zone 2 to Eskom headquarters at Megawatt Park in Sunninghill on May 4.
The march served as a strong call for the suspension of the rollout of smart meter installations in communities, alleging that correct procedures were not being followed, among other concerns outlined in a memorandum that was handed over.
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Community leader Thabo Ngayo said repeated attempts to engage with Eskom had failed, prompting residents to take action.
“The community is greatly affected by the new smart meters being enforced. We also face challenges such as poor administration at Eskom branches in Soweto, poor treatment by workers, and unidentified accounts where money is being deposited by already marginalised residents,” said Ngayo.
Approximately 600 residents from Soweto, including Diepkloof, Protea Glen, Dobsonville and Moletsane, participated in the march. They said they have been severely affected by the installation of smart meters, especially as many are unemployed and are expected to purchase electricity units at high costs.
Mduduzi Mathebula, a Diepkloof resident, said: “Our issue with Eskom has been ongoing. It has caused chaos in communities and even within families.
“We are among the poorest of the poor, yet we are expected to pay up to R2 000 monthly just for electricity. How are we supposed to afford essentials like food?”
The memorandum called for the suspension of the smart meter rollout until proper community consultation takes place, the introduction of a more affordable flat rate, improved administration, and greater transparency from Eskom’s local leadership.
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Residents also raised concerns about the failure to transfer electricity units from old meters to new systems, as well as payments of up to R6 000 made into three different accounts that reportedly do not reflect on the system.
Eskom representative Nokuthula Mtungwa received the memorandum and confirmed that the community would receive a response within 14 days.
