DA Raises Alarm Over Illegal Electricity Connections in Potchefstroom
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Simmering tension in informal settlements such as Promosa, Mohadin, and Ikageng has once again reached boiling point. The catalyst: a persistent and dangerous problem, illegal electricity connections and rampant cable theft. These underground practices, while not new, have recently escalated to the point where lives are reportedly at risk and local authorities are being forced to reckon with the consequences.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), via Councillor Glenville Fransman, has issued a formal call for urgent action. Addressing municipal leaders and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the DA has underscored the severity of the situation and demanded a clear, immediate response.
Flashpoint in the Settlements
The urgency of the matter was underscored on June 17th, when tensions in Baipei, Rockville, Mohadin, and Hashtag informal settlements erupted into confrontation. Frustrated residents, some reportedly assaulted during protests, appealed directly to the mayor and SAPS officials for intervention. Their message was clear: the status quo is untenable.
These illegal connections are not just a financial or regulatory concern, they represent a tangible threat. Exposed wires and unregulated power setups snake through dense residential areas, heightening the risk of electrocution, fires, and fatalities. According to Councillor Fransman, the issue has plagued the municipality for over two years, with certain areas, including along Dassierand Road en route to the Promosa dumpsite, being visibly and dangerously compromised.
The Toll on Infrastructure and Investment
While the immediate concern is public safety, the ramifications extend further. Eskom, already under significant pressure, faces increased strain from unauthorized power usage and the costly replacement of stolen cables. This not only burdens the utility’s operational capacity but also has financial consequences that could affect all paying customers through future tariff hikes.
From an economic perspective, the DA warns that inaction may deter business investment in the region. Areas plagued by instability, unsafe infrastructure, and inconsistent power supply are unlikely to attract new commercial activity. The ripple effect, therefore, is not just local, it touches on the broader economic vitality of Potchefstroom.
A Call for a Plan, Not Just Promises
In response to the crisis, the DA has submitted a formal request to the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, and SAPS leadership for a coordinated plan of action. Their call is simple: formulate and implement a strategy to ensure reliable, legal electricity access for residents of Promosa and Mohadin, and clamp down on cable theft.
While the issue itself is not new, the scale and danger appear to have intensified, prompting renewed political and civic attention. The DA has framed its intervention not as a party-political move, but as a necessary step in restoring what they call the “rights and dignity” of Potchefstroom’s residents.
Not the Final Word
Although the DA’s stance is firm and their demands urgent, this is not expected to be the final chapter in the ongoing electricity saga. Councillor Fransman made it clear that the party intends to persist until the municipality demonstrates tangible progress. For now, the focus remains on ensuring safety and stability in Potchefstroom’s vulnerable communities.
Exit Note
The situation in Potchefstroom highlights a complex intersection of poverty, infrastructure, and governance. As residents grapple with the daily risks posed by illegal connections, and political actors push for institutional responses, the path forward demands cooperation, urgency, and a commitment to long-term solutions. Whether the municipality will rise to meet this challenge remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking.
View DA Article here: https://nw.da.org.za/2025/06/da-demands-urgent-action-on-dangerous-illegal-connections-in-potchefstroom
Comments