ELECTRICITY Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has sounded the alarm after revealing that more than 700 Eskom transformers across the country have been crippled by vandalism and illegal connections.
Delivering a media briefing in Tshwane on Thursday, 25 September, the minister described the issue as "a major obstacle to stabilising electricity supply".
He noted that while Eskom's performance has improved, with an energy availability factor now sitting at 70%, the growing number of illegal connections is undermining progress in ending load shedding.
Ramokgopa announced a 12-18-month deadline to phase out load reduction, underpinned by the rollout of advanced smart meters.
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These devices will not only identify illegal connections but also determine if households qualify for free basic electricity.
Ramokgopa further committed to speeding up refurbishment and maintenance of critical infrastructure, particularly in communities where transformers are repeatedly damaged.
However, he urged the public to allow Eskom teams to carry out their work without interference.
"Part of the resistance I was referring to, we know that there are those who are profiting from illegal connections. Some of those are delinquent Eskom and municipalities employees who are connecting people illegally," said Ramokgopa.
The minister confirmed that a clampdown is underway to target corrupt employees within Eskom and municipalities who are enabling illegal practices.
He stressed that rooting out internal corruption, along with curbing vandalism, is essential to restoring stability to the grid and protecting Mzansi's future energy supply.
