On Monday, Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity supplier, announced that it was suspending its services in Endlovini, an informal settlement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. This decision came after a serious incident where a security vehicle, which was escorting Eskom workers in the area, was hijacked. This was the second time in two weeks that Eskom workers had been attacked in Endlovini, leading the company to prioritize the safety of its staff and contractors.
The residents of Endlovini, many of whom have been waiting for long periods to have their electricity problems fixed, are now left without a solution as Eskom pulls its workers from the area. This decision has raised concerns about the ongoing electricity issues in the settlement and the growing danger faced by utility workers in high-crime areas.
Why Eskom Withdrew Services:
Eskom’s decision to stop working in Endlovini came after two serious attacks on their staff. In the most recent incident, the security vehicle that was accompanying the Eskom team was hijacked while the workers were on duty, attempting to resolve several electrical issues in the area.
This is not the first time Eskom workers have been targeted. Just two weeks prior, on June 9th, Eskom halted its operations in the same area after a terrifying encounter where staff members were held at gunpoint. Although the workers managed to escape unharmed, their vehicle was damaged by gunfire. Given the escalation of violence, Eskom stated that it had no choice but to pull its teams out of the area for the sake of their safety.
In a public statement, Eskom expressed its frustration over these repeated attacks, emphasizing that the safety of its staff is their top priority. “We cannot risk the lives of our workers,” Eskom said. “Our teams have faced dangerous situations before, but we need to draw the line when it comes to their safety.”
Impact on the Residents of Endlovini:
The withdrawal of Eskom services has left many families in Endlovini facing ongoing electricity issues with no immediate solution in sight. The settlement has long struggled with power outages and faulty electrical connections, and many residents have been waiting for months for these issues to be resolved. Some families have reportedly been without electricity for almost a year.
For a community already dealing with significant challenges, including high crime rates, the lack of electricity is another major issue. Electricity is essential for daily life, from cooking and heating to powering lights and electronic devices. Without it, residents are forced to find alternative ways to manage their households, often at a greater expense and inconvenience.
One of the major issues that residents face is the lack of street lights, which contributes to the high levels of crime in the area. Without proper lighting, parts of Endlovini become dangerous at night, making it easier for criminals to operate. Local leaders and residents have repeatedly called for more lighting and better infrastructure to improve safety in the area, but progress has been slow.
The Role of Local Government and Law Enforcement:
Endlovini’s ward councillor, Lonwaba Mqina, expressed concern over Eskom’s withdrawal, noting that the community already has a backlog of electricity problems that need to be resolved. With Eskom suspending services, these issues will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future.
“It’s unfortunate that these issues are now being delayed further,” said Mqina. “We understand Eskom’s position, but the residents are suffering, and something needs to be done to restore services.”
According to Mqina, the crime situation in Endlovini has been worsening over time. He shared that a City of Cape Town vehicle had also been hijacked in the settlement earlier this year, indicating that the area’s crime problem extends beyond Eskom’s operations. Mqina believes that more can be done to address the safety concerns in Endlovini. He suggested that improving the lighting in the area and increasing police patrols could help make the settlement safer for both residents and utility workers.
“In 2022, four people were killed in this settlement, and we raised concerns about the lack of high-mast lights and proper access roads. Promises were made, but so far, nothing has been done,” Mqina explained. He added that there are parts of Endlovini that still do not have any electricity at all, such as Nkandla, where 7,000 shacks are located.
For many residents, the lack of action from local authorities has been frustrating. The absence of street lighting makes it difficult to move around safely at night, and without reliable electricity, daily life becomes even more challenging.
Challenges Facing Eskom Workers:
Eskom workers have one of the toughest jobs in South Africa when it comes to providing essential services in dangerous areas. Working in high-crime communities like Endlovini comes with significant risks, and Eskom has had to deal with multiple incidents of violence against its staff over the years.
Utility workers in these areas often face hostility from residents who are frustrated with the lack of service delivery. In some cases, criminals see Eskom workers and their vehicles as easy targets for hijackings or theft. The combination of community frustration and high crime rates makes it difficult for Eskom to operate in these environments.
In response to the recent incidents in Endlovini, Eskom has committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice. Provincial police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is aware of the incidents and is investigating the matter. However, at the time of Eskom’s announcement, the police had not yet officially documented the hijacking.
While Eskom continues to collaborate with law enforcement to improve safety for its workers, it remains unclear when—or if—services will be restored in Endlovini.
A Broader Issue in South Africa:
The problems faced by Eskom workers in Endlovini are part of a larger issue affecting South Africa’s informal settlements. Many of these communities lack basic services such as electricity, running water, and proper sanitation, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among residents. The lack of infrastructure often goes hand in hand with high crime rates, making it even more difficult for service providers to operate in these areas.
In recent years, Eskom has been under increasing pressure to improve its service delivery, particularly in low-income communities. However, the utility’s ability to do so has been hampered by numerous challenges, including aging infrastructure, financial difficulties, and the ongoing threat of violence against its workers.
The situation in Endlovini highlights the complex relationship between service delivery, crime, and community development in South Africa. Without addressing the root causes of crime and improving infrastructure in informal settlements, it will be difficult for companies like Eskom to provide consistent and reliable services to these areas.
Looking Ahead:
For the families in Endlovini, the future remains uncertain. While Eskom has promised to work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its workers, there is no clear timeline for when—or if—services will be restored. In the meantime, residents will continue to live without reliable electricity, and the community will face ongoing challenges as it tries to address its safety and infrastructure issues.
Until significant changes are made, Endlovini and other informal settlements in South Africa will remain caught in a cycle of poor service delivery, high crime, and community frustration. Addressing these issues will require a coordinated effort between local government, law enforcement, and service providers like Eskom to ensure that residents can live in safe and functioning communities.
Eskom’s withdrawal from Endlovini is a reminder of the challenges facing both service providers and residents in South Africa’s informal settlements. The repeated attacks on Eskom workers have forced the utility to prioritize the safety of its staff, leaving the community without essential services. As local leaders call for improved lighting and greater police presence, it is clear that a long-term solution is needed to address the root causes of crime and improve living conditions for the people of Endlovini.