Residents of Leondale, in eastern Johannesburg, are calling on the City of Ekurhuleni to address recurring power supply interruptions in their area.

Protests erupted yesterday as residents demanded consistent electricity supply, citing financial losses and daily disruptions.

One resident says, “We are facing an electricity crisis every week. Every week we are guaranteed there will be a power failure. This afternoon power went, and we had to go to the streets. How much money are we losing due to spoilt food in the fridges? The truth is, we are suffering as a community in Leondale. It is really a tough one.”

Eskom has attributed its challenges to loadshedding, the unbundling of its transmission network, and a growing municipal debt burden. On Thursday, the utility reported a R55 billion loss after tax for the 2023-2024 financial year.

Eskom Chief Financial Officer Calib Cassim expressed additional concerns over a three percent drop in sales volumes and weak internal controls, which he noted are impacting the company’s audits.

The Leondale community has urged authorities to provide immediate solutions to the power supply issues.

Eskom reports a loss of over R12 billion: