Protesters in Diepkloof, Soweto obstructed lanes with rocks and burning tyres on Monday morning, likely in response to Eskom’s decision to disconnect supply to Zone 3.
The protest action is taking place on the N1 South between the Soweto Highway bridge and the Diepkloof Interchange.
Diepkloof protests
All lanes closed
SA Traffic Alert confirmed both directions between the Rand Show and Diepkloof interchange are affected. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
ITRAFFIC (GP)@itrafficgp
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3m
273310: Protest on N1 both directions Between Rand Show and Diepkloof I/C, All lanes closed, Heavy delays. pic.twitter.com/LHcDbefty2— ITRAFFIC (GP) (@itrafficgp) December 6, 2021
All lanes are closed and motorists should be prepared for heavy delays.
As of 6:10am, traffic is being diverted onto N12 Eastbound.
The protests are likely related to Eskom’s decision back in November to disconnect supply to more than 700 homes in the region.
No power supply
Protest action first broke out earlier last week, after residents had been without electricity for seven days. On 30 November, Eskom disconnected supply to Zone 3 and Orlando East.
Eskom please restore the power at Diepkloof Soweto Zone 3, we have not had Electricity since Thursday it’s really unfair honestly, why must we suffer like this?
— Motso_Malokotsa (@malokotsa_motso) November 29, 2021
This was “due to high energy losses as a result of illegal connections, meter bypassing and buying electricity from ghost vendors”.
Eskom’s demands
The power utility said it would only restore supply to the area once reconnection fees were paid. Until then, seven mini-substations in Zone 3 would remain disconnected.
#EskomGauteng #DiepkloofDisconnection
Supply to Diepkloof Zone 3 has been disconnected due to high energy losses as a result of illegal connections, meter bypassing & buying electricity from ghost vendors. Reconnection fees have to be paid before supply can be restored.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) November 30, 2021
At the time, Eskom spokesperson in Gauteng Amanda Qithi confirmed the decision, and said reconnection fees amount to R6,052 per household.
However, Diepkloof resident Carol Langa said Eskom is lying to the nation. She said residents at no point refused to pay for electricity.
“People are paying, people are on prepaid, people want to pay”.
It’s been 10 days without #electricity in #Diepkloof Zone 3. I’ve learnt a lot about privilege during this time. I thank my ancestors for orientating me on a life close to nature. As it should. To the leadership of @Eskom_SA @CityPowerJhb & Ward 29, I wish you bigger bellies.
— House of Kuumba (@MamodiseDice) December 5, 2021
Diepkloof residents frustrated
Langa said the councillor and other delegates “have tried to engage with Eskom” have Eskom “didn’t complete its work the whole of Diepkloof”. She added:
“They hit a brick wall. The Mayor isn’t engaging with the community either.”
Another resident, Brenda Dammie, said the community wants to pay, but Eskom refused to negotiate the reconnection fees.
“They want the community to pay R6,052 for each and every household. There are people who are paying and buying but why does Eskom punish everyone?”
IT SHALL REMAIN CLOSED FOK MUN!!! UNTIL WE GET SOMEONE’S ATTENTION. THAT’S GOOD COMRADES.
— IG: Lavendayda (@Lavendayda) November 30, 2021
-The Citizen
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