Vryburg – Community members in Extensions 25 and 28 under the Naledi Local Municipality have launched a petition opposing planned electricity disconnections linked to non-payment of municipal services. The initiative is being led by the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Naledi Zonal Structure.
SANCO zonal secretary Tumisang Badise said the community believes the municipality’s approach unfairly targets the two extensions, which he described as economically vulnerable areas.
“We are not happy with the manner in which the Naledi local municipality bylaws are targeting only one area in Naledi, which is Extensions 25 and 28. This is regarding the electricity cut-off due to non-payments of municipal bills,” Badise said.
According to the petition, residents argue that socioeconomic challenges in the area make it difficult for many households to keep up with payments. The document states that only a small portion of residents are formally employed, while others rely on pensions or are unemployed.
Badise also referenced legislation governing municipal services:
“This goes against the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, which mandates that municipalities ensure access to basic services,” he said.
The petition further calls for broader engagement on service delivery challenges and suggests alternative solutions to electricity disconnections. Among the demands raised is a call for Eskom to take over electricity provision in the affected areas.
Residents involved in the petition say they hope authorities will engage the community to find a balanced solution that considers both municipal sustainability and residents’ living conditions.
