A tense situation at Sehlabeng High School in Manyatseng near Ladybrand in the Free state was defused after Mantsopa Local Municipality leaders stepped in to address learners’ concerns.
Frustrated by more than two months without electricity, learners from the school marched to the municipal offices on Tuesday 3 June 2025 demanding answers.
They said the ongoing power outage, caused by an unpaid ESKOM bill of over R600,000 was disrupting their examinations, as Educators could not print question papers or report cards.
According to the Learners’ Representative Committee (LRC), they had lost hope in the school management and governing body, and believed only the Mayor could intervene.
Mayor Mamsie Tsoene and Speaker Mvuyo Ncwada met the learners and then called an urgent meeting with teachers in the school boardroom. During the meeting, Principal Mr. Kgati explained that ESKOM rejected a R200,000 payment offer, demanding the full balance. He also noted the bill mysteriously ballooned from R100,000 to R600,000.
Thanks to the Mayor’s swift intervention, electricity has been restored. Yesterday 4 June 2025, the Mayor and school representatives traveled to Bethlehem to engage ESKOM on electricity cut off and have a clear understanding of what could have gone wrong with this latest bill.