In a concerted effort to address the chronic electricity challenges plaguing the Thulamela Local Municipality area, Eskom Limpopo and the municipality have reaffirmed and strengthened their collaborative partnership, vowing to tackle the root causes of persistent power disruptions. The renewed commitment was formalized during a high-level stakeholder engagement held in Thohoyandou, led by Eskom Limpopo’s acting senior manager, Constance Dolamo, who convened ward councillors, municipal officials, and representatives from various government departments to chart a practical path forward.
The meeting, which was characterized by frank and solution-oriented discussions, zeroed in on the most pressing obstacles to reliable electricity supply in the region. Chief among these were the escalating theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure,including the stripping of copper cables and the destruction of substations, which have left communities without power for days and cost the utility millions in repairs. The rollout of smart metering was also a major agenda item, with officials emphasizing that the introduction of prepaid and remotely monitored meters would not only improve revenue collection but also help curb the rampant problem of illegal electricity connections, which have overwhelmed the grid and created significant safety hazards.
Dolamo stressed that the partnership is not a one-off event but a sustained commitment to community-centred service delivery. “We cannot solve these problems in isolation,” she said. “The collaboration between Eskom, the municipality, and local leaders is essential if we are to restore stability and trust.” Municipal officials echoed her sentiments, pledging to intensify by-law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Residents of Thulamela, many of whom have endured years of erratic power supply, will be watching closely to see whether this renewed partnership translates into tangible improvements. While the challenges are deeply entrenched, the unity of purpose on display offers a glimmer of hope that, with collective effort, the lights might finally stay on in Vhembe.
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