Alleged Eskom Load Reduction Conspiracy in Mpumalanga Sparks Investigation

Allegations of a "load reduction conspiracy" involving Eskom technicians and storemen in Mpumalanga have emerged, prompting lawmakers to call for an urgent investigation. These accusations have sparked concerns that officials are exploiting power shortages to profit at the expense of disadvantaged communities.

The claims were made during a recent sitting of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature in Mbombela. ANC lawmaker Lucky Mbuyane raised concerns about frequent power outages in areas like Bushbuckridge, Nsikazi, and Nkomazi, despite the national grid being stable. He suggested that these outages might be orchestrated by corrupt Eskom officials.

Mbuyane argued that power cuts could no longer be explained by technical faults alone, proposing that Eskom technicians and storemen may be involved in a scheme to manipulate transformer orders and distribution. He also claimed that bribes were being solicited from desperate households once transformers overloaded and blew.

“We must get to the bottom of this. People are suffering while others make a living off their misery,” Mbuyane said.

The allegations were confirmed by Premier Mandla Ndlovu, who stated that Eskom had been instructed to thoroughly investigate the matter. Eskom responded by stating they had not received any formal complaints regarding corruption in load reduction, but would fully investigate any allegations as they arose.

Bushbuckridge Ward 8 Councillor Eddie Mashego confirmed that corruption claims have circulated, particularly involving bribes to restore power after residents were caught using illegal tokens. However, Mashego noted that many residents were hesitant to report these instances, fearing exposure of their own involvement in electricity theft.

Energy theft remains a key challenge, with Eskom using load reduction as a strategy to protect the network from collapse. Yet, lawmakers argue that the policy disproportionately impacts black communities in rural and informal areas, while wealthier suburbs remain largely unaffected. Ndlovu explained that this disparity is due to higher levels of illegal connections in poorer areas.