Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality’s Mayor, Maureen Magubane, has called on Eskom to reconsider the hefty R6,000 fine imposed on households accused of using electricity illegally. Magubane warned that around 12,000 homes in the municipality could be left without power due to their inability to pay the fine.
She stressed that Eskom would lose more by alienating customers in poorer areas. “I appeal to Eskom to cancel the fine and instead replace the existing meters. This will enable people to pay for electricity legally and prevent widespread blackouts in rural communities,” said Magubane.
Proposal for New Meters and Local Support
The mayor also proposed that Eskom install a mobile office in Mooi River to help residents recode their electricity meters without traveling to Howick. Many residents, she explained, cannot afford the journey, leaving them disconnected from essential services.
Eskom had initially set a deadline of 24 November for residents to comply, later extending it to 13 December. However, it maintained that households using electricity without paying would face the R6,000 fine. Eskom has not yet responded to the mayor’s plea, but an update is expected soon.
Municipality’s Struggles with Eskom Debt
Mooi Mpofana Municipality, located near the Mooi River toll plaza along the N3 highway, has faced financial challenges for years. Under administration since 2016 due to poor management, the municipality once owed Eskom R10 million. Mayor Magubane claims to have reduced that debt to R500,000 and is committed to clearing it within six months.
Despite its small size, the municipality serves a diverse community, including the township of Bruntville, dairy farm workers, and residents under traditional leadership. With a modest budget of R209 million, Magubane hopes to pull Mooi Mpofana out of administration soon.
Political Landscape and Governance
The municipality’s 10-seat council is dominated by the ANC, holding seven seats. The remaining three seats are shared among the DA, IFP, and EFF, with each holding one seat. Magubane’s leadership and her appeal to Eskom may prove crucial in stabilizing the municipality’s financial and energy situation.
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