Residents of Diepsloot Extension 6 are entering their 15th month without electricity, after Eskom removed 35 transformers in August last year, citing illegal connections and safety concerns. To date, only 11 transformers have been replaced, leaving many families without access to basic services such as refrigeration, heating, and lighting.
Community members reject Eskom’s claims that the transformers were illegally connected. They argue that Diepsloot Extension 6 is made up of formal RDP houses connected to Eskom’s official network, not informal settlements.
“This is a basic service,” said resident Mike Maake, pointing to where a transformer was removed. “Some households have power, others don’t. It’s unfair and it’s causing a lot of tension.”
Following protests and negotiations, residents reportedly agreed to pay fines in exchange for electricity restoration. However, Eskom’s replacement of transformers has been slow, with no clear timeline for full service restoration.
Amanda Qithi Baanyang from Eskom’s Gauteng Media Office defended the utility’s actions, saying the transformers posed safety risks and compromised the network. “Illegally connected transformers destabilise the network, causing supply interruptions and putting our technicians at risk,” she said.
Eskom also stated that transformer replacement is tied to wider infrastructure upgrades, credit management processes, and the installation of smart meters. Areas with outdated meters are being converted to prepaid smart meters as part of this effort.
For residents, these explanations offer little comfort as daily life continues without reliable electricity. Many have lodged complaints at Eskom’s Mnandi offices and even submitted memoranda to the Union Buildings, yet frustrations persist.
Diepsloot Extension 6 residents continue to wait for what they describe as an essential service, as Eskom faces mounting criticism over its handling of the crisis.