Residents of 69 households in Boekenhout, Ward 21, have been without electricity for 1 year and 2 months since the transformer supplying their area was removed in March 2025.
According to residents, Eskom removed the transformer after illegal electricity bridging was discovered in the area. Community members allege that while some households may have been involved, all 69 homes have been affected by the removal.
Since the outage, families have relied on paraffin, gas and candles for cooking and lighting, an additional financial burden many say they can no longer afford.
“Now we have to buy paraffin and gas every week just to cook. We also need candles at night. It is money we do not have,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
Residents say paraffin and gas supplies run out quickly, while fluctuating prices make budgeting difficult. Candles, used for lighting, are considered unsafe, particularly in households with children, and insufficient for adequate visibility after dark.
Community members add that cooking now takes longer, and families are forced to limit their use of lighting to cut costs.
They say they submitted a list of affected households and their details to Eskom on Thursday and are awaiting feedback. Residents are calling for the transformer to be replaced, saying access to electricity is key to restoring normal living conditions in the area, particularly since most are paying clients.
This is a developing story. Mabopane Times is seeking comment from Eskom and will publish its response once received.
