Johannesburg - The Gauteng government and Eskom will form a task team to tackle cable theft and the illegal connection of electricity in a bid to improve power supply, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said on Tuesday.
“We need to move away from the bad culture of illegal connections. We have to work hard on changing the mindset of our communities so that people know that they have to pay for the electricity they use at all times,” Mokonyane told media after a meeting with Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana and CEO Brian Dames.
The joint task team comprising government, Eskom and civil society would address ageing infrastructure, lack of skills and energy saving methods.
The non-payment of electricity was highlighted as a “major stumbling block” to the delivery of electricity.
“Eskom needs you now more than ever,” said Makwana..
As part of the state utility's new vision, Eskom would hold talks with all the provincial premiers in an effort to understand the problems faced by its consumers.
“All South Africans should begin to own the problem and stop pointing to the government when something goes wrong,” said Makwana.
Eskom and provincial government would give administrative and financial support to struggling municipalities.
This would help identify problems in time to avoid situations where Eskom cuts electricity to municipalities which fail to pay it.
Makwana appealed to the media to play its part in spreading the message of “responsible citizenry”. - Sapa