WATCH | Extortion claims rock Ebony Park amid year-long blackout

This follows a complaint sent to Eskom about a particular WhatsApp group created in the community to collect R1,000 or R500 per month from 46 that households since January to allegedly buy a new transformer. The resident of Ebony Park phase 1 have been in the dark for 12 months after their transformer was damaged, allegedly used to bridging and overloading. However, those who started the group toldSowetanthey have not extorted anyone to pay for a new transformer, but have asked for people to contribute to getting to the 60% threshold in order forEskomto restore power.

WATCH | About 46 houses in Ebony Park Phase 1 in Midrand have been without electricity since April 2025. This comes after their transformer was damaged due to overloading and bridging. Eskom says each affected house should pay R6000 before their power is switched on.pic.twitter.com/viGsAOSM3r “As a community, we came together and said, because we are all affected and some people cannot afford to pay, is it possible for us to contribute something collectively so that we can give Eskom what they need and restore electricity for everyone?” she said.

“Nobody was forced; it’s not extortion. Nobody wanted to be in the spotlight. We just needed a helping hand so that everyone could have electricity.” The dispute with Eskom stems from a total lack of formal contracts or official communication regarding their alleged payment obligations, she said.

[paywall]

As for buying a transformer ourselves, I don’t know about that. Even if we buy it, who will install it? It still has to go through Eskom.

The group is mainly for communication and helping each other find solutions Residents said they are suffering financial strain as a result of having been in the dark for a year. One resident said they pay R500 a week for gas, another paid R40,000 for a solar power installation while another buys wood for R200. Sowetan reported that Eskom stated that the lack of electricity in the area was as a result of a damaged transformer, which Eskom said was caused byunauthorised tampering and illegal connectionsfrom residents.

[/paywall]