R23 billion lost: Inside South Africa’s electricity theft crisis

Electricity theft inGauteng is costing Eskom billions, and the crisis is escalating. The utility estimated that illegal connections and meter tampering in the province alone are draining nearly R7 billion a year, contributing to a nationwide loss of R23 billion. Behind the staggering figures lies a web of criminal activity that threatens not just revenue, but the stability and safety of the entire power network.

This week, the issue hit closer to home when three farmers and an Eskom employee appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court for their bail applications. One farmer was granted R20 000 bail, while the other three were each granted R10 000. All four are expected to return to court on March 31 for further proceedings.

Eskom Provincial Spokesperson Amanda Qithi said the employee is facing disciplinary action, as the company continues to tackle electricity theft and illegal connections across Gauteng. “This employee has been subjected to our disciplinary processes and also when there is an alleged criminal conduct, we do institute parallel internal investigation while we allow the criminal justice system to take its course. Electricity theft and illegal connections, remain a significant challenge across Gauteng and the country as a whole. Eskom lost about, annually, about approximately R23 billion in revenue due to electricity theft and it’s in Gauteng alone, it contributes about R7 billion.” This is not the first time Eskom has had to deal with employees or contractors tampering with electricity infrastructure.