KEY POINTS
- Heavy rains and flooding have triggered a surge in faults on Eskom networks
- KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Free State remain among the hardest hit provinces
- Eskom urges public caution as teams work around the clock to restore supply
Severe weather sweeping across South Africa during the festive season is hampering the efforts of ESKOM to restore electricity, with flooding and damaged infrastructure complicating access to affected communities.
Eskom said persistent storms and heavy rainfall have led to a sharp rise in network faults nationwide, forcing repair teams into continuous response mode as outages stretch across several provinces. The utility said conditions on the ground have slowed restoration work, even as crews remain deployed day and night.
Power supply challenges have eased in parts of the Eastern Cape, where major disruptions were largely resolved in recent days. Elsewhere, recovery efforts remain under strain, particularly in KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and the Free State, where rain soaked terrain and floodwaters continue to delay repairs.
Flooded terrain slows repair work
In Limpopo, areas such as Tzaneen and Mashashane have been among the hardest hit, placing extra pressure on Eskom resources as access roads become impassable. The utility said damaged lines, washed out routes and unstable ground are forcing teams to move cautiously to avoid injury while working to reconnect communities.
Eskom said response times have been extended in several locations as crews navigate dangerous conditions, including submerged infrastructure and debris scattered by storms. The company stressed that safety remains the overriding concern, both for workers in the field and for residents in affected areas.
Despite the challenges, Eskom praised the commitment of its technicians, many of whom have been working through public holidays to restore supply. The utility said teams are prioritising critical faults and densely populated areas while continuing assessments in remote locations.
The power supplier also appealed to customers for patience, acknowledging the frustration of outages during a period traditionally marked by travel and family gatherings. Eskom said it remains aware of the impact power cuts have on households and businesses, particularly during extreme weather.
Public safety warnings were reiterated, with Eskom urging residents to treat all electrical infrastructure as live at all times, even when power appears to be off. Fallen lines and damaged equipment, the utility warned, pose serious risks in wet conditions.
As storms continue to affect large parts of the country, Eskom said it remains focused on restoring electricity as conditions allow. Utility officials expressed cautious optimism that improvements would follow once weather patterns stabilise, while communities brace for continued disruptions and look ahead to a steadier start to the new year.
