Persistent severe weather conditions over the festive season have led to a significant increase in electricity faults across Eskom supply areas nationwide. The utility says heavy storms, flooding and strong winds have damaged infrastructure in several provinces, worsening supply disruptions.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said while much of the damage in the Eastern Cape has been resolved, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Free State remain heavily affected.
“Eskom teams are on the ground repairing damaged infrastructure to restore supply in affected communities, including Tzaneen and Mashashane in Limpopo,” Mokwena said. She added that teams are working around the clock, but response times are being hampered by flooding, restricted access and unsafe terrain.
The utility has urged the public to remain patient and to prioritise safety, reminding consumers to treat all electrical networks as live even when power appears to be off.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has warned of ongoing severe thunderstorms, flooding, lightning and extreme heat in several parts of the country, including Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as adverse conditions persist.
