More than 12 villages have been hit by vandalism of electric pole and copper cables in Tzaneen , Limpopo Province.
According to Eskom, two lanes ( Lenyenye Mashiloane 11KV and Risenga Juliesburg 22KV) will undergo an unplanned power outage in order to repair the severe damages.
Copper cable theft has become a trending lucrative business in the area, and only the vulnerable villages are targeted.
Last month, villages around Nwamitwa were forced to brave the heatwave without electricity for 11 days.
Eskom statement has indicated that an estimated time of restoration is not yet available as electricians are busy assessing the damage.
The power utility snail pace has angered the residents and local business owners.
“It’s been three days without electricity and water. Our Christmas meat is rotten, and we are forced to use rain water for our day to day routines, ” said a resident
Those who have deeper pockets opted to purchase their own copper cables and join other lines in order to access electricity
” Life without electricity is difficult. We tried to engage our neighbors about budgeting for copper cables. But, they turned the offer done. We had to take this path alone to sustain our family, ” said a female resident
A car panel beater that was established in 2021 is facing a financial loss for the first time this festive season.
” Our hands are tight up. We can not operate any of our machines due to a lack of electricity. ” said a mechanic engineer
The panel beater also services government vehicles within Mopani District.
Meanwhile, Eskom has urged all customers in the affected areas to treat all electrical connections as live during this period.