Eskom: Pushing electricity safety after 200 incidents in 2024

‘It is genuinely distressing to think that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom because communities feel compelled to protect the illegal connections’

Eskom has called on South Africans to be alert to the dangers of electricity during August’s Electricity Safety Month – a national campaign to highlight the risks associated with electricity and to promote safe practices at home, at work and in communities.

The utility says its goal is to reduce harm to the public, employees and contractors who work with electrical systems across South Africa. 

While the awareness drive is concentrated in August, Eskom stressed that the need for caution is year-round.

“Last year, Eskom reported 200 public injuries and fatalities. It is genuinely distressing to think that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom because communities feel compelled to protect the illegal connections responsible for these incidents.

“Furthermore, criminal activities are on the rise, evidenced by an increasing number of infrastructure vandalism cases, theft of electricity cables, and attacks on Eskom staff,” said Miranda Moahlodi, Eskom’s Senior Manager for Health and Safety.

Eskom warned that illegal connections and exposed wires are a serious hazard, causing fires in informal settlements and putting lives at risk. 

The utility urged members of the public to report dangling or low-hanging wires, open electrical boxes and unsafe connections strung through trees, streets or rooftops.

Eskom also appealed for an end to aggression and violence towards its employees, who have faced rising threats amid cable theft and infrastructure vandalism.

“We appeal to communities to help us curb the aggression and violence that Eskom employees are subjected to. Like everyone else, we also have families waiting for us at home after work,” said Moahlodi.

Electrocution incidents

In April 2024, a 10-year-old boy in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, died after stepping on a live wire believed to be linked to an illegal connection in a nearby informal settlement.

In December 2023, three people, including two children, were electrocuted in separate incidents in the Eastern Cape, after coming into contact with exposed electrical cables following storm damage.

Eskom urged the public to report any illegal connections, exposed wires or other dangerous wiring to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22, via email to eskom@whistleblowing.co.za, or by SMS to 31090.

Cover photo:  : Last Thursday Eskom removed two transformers that were illegally connected to its network in Bokamoso, Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West province. Source: Eskom/X