Eskom disconnected illegal electricity connections in Blikkiesdorp, the informal settlement outside Grabouw, on 1 March 2017 after AfriForum had brought charges of culpable homicide against Matshela Koko, acting CEO of Eskom, at the Grabouw Police Station on 2 February this year.
“We were very concerned about a kindergarten where several of these cables were laid through the air,” says Sias van Tonder, a local AfriForum member.
Van Tonder sent daily pleas via email to Davy Louw, acting Municipal Manager of the Theewaterskloof Municipality, to at least evacuate the kindergarten.
“I am grateful that the school was eventually evacuated on 27 February, as it would have been a tragedy if any of these illegal connections caused injury or even death,” says Van Tonder.
“The disconnection of the electricity cables by Eskom is proof that communities that stand together and cooperate with civil rights organisations such as AfriForum can pressurise Government and other stakeholders into complying with their requests. We are thankful that there has not been another incident where someone was injured as a result of illegal connections, and we are thankful that Eskom heeded our pleas,” says Thomas van Dalen, AfriForum’s Provincial Coordinator for the Western Cape.
“AfriForum will keep a close eye on the situation, as we are convinced that the residents of Blikkiesdorp will not quietly accept the disconnection of electricity supply to their homes,” Van Dalen concludes.