Eskom says illegal electricity connections, theft and vandalism are slowing efforts to restore power to customers across parts of the Cape Metropole, particularly in Khayelitsha.

The utility has deployed additional repair teams and contractors to address a backlog of network faults, but says repeated damage to electricity infrastructure is delaying repairs.

Eskom says repaired infrastructure is often damaged again through illegal tampering, causing repeated power interruptions and placing further strain on the electricity network.

“Khayelitsha remains a priority for Eskom, given the volume of outstanding faults and the extent of damage to electricity infrastructure in the area. While additional interventions are already making a positive impact, the scale of the vandalism across the network means that not all customers will have their electricity restored immediately. However, Eskom teams will work systematically through the backlog to complete the necessary repairs and restore the remaining customers thereafter.”

The utility warns that these criminal activities not only affect electricity supply but also put residents, employees and contractors at risk.

“These criminal activities continue to damage transformers, mini-substations, cables and other network equipment, creating recurring faults, extending restoration times and diverting critical resources away from planned maintenance and customer service.”

Eskom says it is working with community leaders in Khayelitsha and has appealed to the public to help combat electricity theft and vandalism by reporting incidents to Eskom or the South African Police Service.