Electricity interruptions in certain areas of the Govan Mbeki Municipality caused residents to take action.
The electricity cut off schedule was implemented on Monday, 9 October after the municipality failed to make payment to Eskom.
Residents responded in different ways, others establishing the online petitions demanding that they should be allowed to buy electricity directly from Eskom.
Allegations were also made, that Kinross and Evander were not experiencing the electricity interruptions because the Mayor live Kinross and the other influencial politians in Evander.
Eskom spokesperson, Mr Khulu Phasiwe dismissed the
allegations. He said the reason for Kinross and Evander not to experience the interruptions was because of the nearby mine which buys electricity directly from them and also the Evander Hospital which makes it impossible
for them to cut off electricity, considering the lives of the patients. eMbalenhle residents began their protest on Sunday, 15 October by barricading roads and burning tyres.
During the protest, several vehicles were damaged including the refuse removal trucks.
The municipality buildings were also burned and foreign national shops were damaged. According to Capt Magonseni Nkosi from eMbalenhle Police Station, several people were arrested for public violence, malicious damage to property and also for looting in foreign national shops.
On Monday, 16 October the municipality issued a statement, “Govan Mbeki Municipality has paid R50 million that was outstanding on the R150 million that was demanded by Eskom as the condition of preventing the bulk electricity interruption.”
Eskom also confirmed that they received the payment from the municipality and will suspend the interruptions, but GMM still have to make arrangement as to how much they continue to pay and how they are going to pay it.
