Izinyoka strike hard as winter approaches!

WITH winter fast approaching, Eskom has taken it up on itself to host a safety campaign to educate residents of Mogogelo in Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane, about how to avoid disasters.

This area is known for izinyoka, leading to damaged transformers. The power utility said there have been many protests in the area as a result of illegal connections and warned residents not to connect electricity illegally this winter.

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The campaign, which was held on Friday, 26 April, also focused on sharing tips on how to save electricity.

Addressing residents, Jacob Motshwene from Eskom's Hammanskraal office said the campaign is necessary to inform everyone about the dangers of illegal connections and the right use of electricity.

Motshwene said many transformers were affected by illegal connections in 2023 and that some customers were electrocuted.

He said:

A lot of people do not use electricity the right way while many connect electricity illegally and this may cause danger to residents. Last winter, several lives were lost due to illegal connections, so we want to help residents be aware that the winter season is just around the corner.

He urged communities to report illegal connections to Eskom and not solve the challenge themselves.

"We're also here to discourage residents from participating in ghost vending where they order electricity with a small amount of money but get many units. There are many Eskom outlets where legal electricity can be bought," Motshwene said.

He added that Eskom has already engaged with communities in Cullinan where there's a huge number of illegal connections, as well as Itsoseng, Mabopane and Eesterust F4.

Norman Mati from Eskom's Ga-Rankuwa customer services said residents need to know the Dos and Don'ts of using electrical appliances to avoid disaster.

"Safety inside and outside the house is important. Residents need to know that when dealing with electricity, hands should always be dry. Things such as extension chords inside the house should not be left lying on the floor while in use. Also, they should opt to use energy saving light bulbs," said Mati.

Margaret Moselane, head of disaster management at Moretele Municipality said campaigns such as these are needed as a lot happens in winter.

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She said fires are also part of the challenges they have to deal with and urged residents not to start any them as they might not be able to put them out which could end up destroying electricity poles.

One of the residents, Annah Maimela said the campaign was informative and that she'll share the information with her neighbours who couldn't attend.