Eskom has warned political parties and election campaign teams against placing posters on electricity poles, transformers and mini-substations, cautioning that the practice could result in electric shocks, severe burns and fatalities.
The warning comes as the power utility reports an increase in election-related posters being attached to its electricity infrastructure during the current campaign period.
The utility cautioned that climbing electricity poles, using ladders or working near live electrical equipment to install or remove campaign material exposes individuals to potentially fatal electrical hazards.
Eskom also warned that unauthorised attachments could damage electricity infrastructure, obstruct inspections and maintenance work, and compromise safe access to equipment needed to maintain a reliable electricity supply.
Although election campaigning is an important part of South Africa’s democratic process, the utility stressed that electricity infrastructure should not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
The prohibition against attaching unauthorised material to Eskom infrastructure remains in place throughout the year and is not limited to the election period.
Eskom further reminded members of the public to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous, even when there are no visible signs of electrical activity.
Members of the public are encouraged to report unsafe activities involving Eskom infrastructure through the utility’s customer service channels or local operating offices.
The utility added that unauthorised material attached to its infrastructure may be removed where necessary to protect public safety and ensure access to critical electricity equipment.
