Vandalism to infrastructure and theft, have cost Eskom an estimated R221 million, from 1 April 2024 until the end of February 2025.
This is slightly down from the previous year’s R271 million.
Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, said about this, “we urge communities to play a role in safeguarding the infrastructure that delivers electricity to their homes and businesses. Reliable electricity is essential for daily life—preserving food, cooking, heating, lighting, and enabling children to study after dark. Protecting this infrastructure is a shared responsibility.”
Bala said vandalism results in unplanned power outages, often leaving homes and businesses without electricity for extended periods.
The restoration process can be prolonged, particularly when essential infrastructure such as transformers or high-voltage breaker components is damaged, as these items can take weeks to replace.
The impact of vandalism extends beyond households, affecting businesses, mines, and entire communities.
He also said Eskom has identified a rising trend where individuals throw metal chains and wires onto power lines, causing flashovers that trip power lines and disrupt supply.
“ Such reckless actions not only contribute to power failures but also put lives at risk.”