KEY POINTS
- The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality owes Eskom more than R3.4 billion, raising the risk of electricity cuts by April 16, 2026.
- Several communities, including Alberton, Boksburg North, Germiston South, and Kempton Park, could face power disruptions.
- AfriForum has demanded urgent explanations, a repayment plan, and protections for paying residents, warning it may take legal action if the crisis persists.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa could face widespread electricity disruptions after its outstanding debt to power utility Eskom surged to more than R3.4 billion, prompting threats of power supply reductions or complete disconnection.
This warning was highlighted by the civil rights organisation AfriForum, which accused the municipality of poor financial management that has allowed the debt to spiral out of control.
In a statement issued on March 7 by AfriForum’s East Rand District Coordinator, Nadia Olckers, the group warned that if urgent steps are not taken to settle the debt, parts of the metro could be plunged into darkness by April 16, 2026.
Several Communities Risk Losing Power
According to the notice from Eskom, several areas within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality are at risk of electricity supply disruptions.
If the debt remains unpaid, Eskom could either reduce the electricity supplied to these areas or disconnect the municipality entirely from the national grid.
Olckers described the trend as evidence that the municipality’s financial management has deteriorated significantly, warning that the crisis appears to be worsening rapidly.
Olckers warned that millions of residents and thousands of businesses could suffer the consequences of the municipality’s financial failures despite meeting their own payment obligations.
Institutions such as schools, hospitals, and other essential services may be forced to make costly alternative arrangements to maintain operations if electricity supplies are disrupted.
She also highlighted potential security risks, noting that power outages could disable alarm systems, security cameras, and automated gates used by homes and businesses.
AfriForum argued that electricity is a basic municipal service essential for economic participation, healthcare delivery, public safety, and human dignity.
According to the organisation, the municipality’s inability to guarantee reliable electricity could amount to a serious breach of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
AfriForum warned that if the municipality fails to take urgent steps to address the crisis and protect residents’ rights, the organisation may pursue legal action to compel the metro to resolve the issue.
