Rockville – Burning tyres and rocks barricaded the streets of Rockville on April 7 as frustrated residents took to the streets, demanding urgent intervention from Eskom and the area’s ward councillor.
Angry community members claim they have been subjected to load reduction since the start of load-shedding, with the situation never improving.
Residents alleged that they sometimes go for weeks without electricity, endure long outages, and experience inconsistent power restoration.
“Sometimes you may find that the neighbours have electricity while we do not. Sometimes the street behind us or next to us has electricity while we do not,” said resident Thulisile Xaba (63).
Xaba explained that the area is largely made up of elderly residents, many of whom rely on chronic medication.
Residents say they will protest until their issue is addressed. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
She said prolonged power outages pose serious health risks.
“Elders need to eat in the morning in order to take their medication, but how will that be done without electricity?
“Many are sick and need electricity to manage daily activities. Medication is kept in the fridge, but it will spoil without power. Our food is also at risk,” she said.
She also said their meter boxes were recently changed to new system ones, which has raised additional concerns among residents.
She further raised concerns about rising crime, saying criminals are taking advantage of the darkness.
“There are many house break-ins due to things happening in the dark. When there is no electricity, crimes can be committed in secrecy.
Angry residents protest over power issues in the area. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“Even if you hear something happening next door, you cannot risk going outside to check. We just want Eskom to clarify this whole issue because we are now fed up and growing impatient,” she added.
Another resident, Jabu Simelane (54), said he has lived in the area for over 25 years, having moved from Old Brakpan Location in the 1990s.
“We did not even know what load reduction was back then. As time went by, electricity became a serious problem here,” he said.
Simelane added that many residents feel disconnected from local leadership.
“Many of us do not even know our ward councillor. Even when we call him to meetings, he does not come. Today we demand his attention and assistance,” expressed Simelane.
Residents have drafted a memorandum of demands, which they intend to hand-deliver to ward councillor Sipho Sibiya.
Residents demand answers from Eskom. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“What is most unfair is that nearby areas such as Tsakani Ext 12 and surrounding communities are not facing load reduction.
“In fact, Ext 12 always has electricity. We plead with the councillor to come and address us,” he cited.
Simelane added that they will strike until the matter is resolved. Sibiya confirmed that he is aware of the ongoing electricity challenges affecting Rockville.
“I am aware of the load reduction issue, and Eskom is also aware. I have written several times to Eskom head office requesting intervention,” he said.
He clarified that the area is supplied by Eskom, not the City of Ekurhuleni. Sibiya added that there have been multiple engagements with community structures, which led to the start of a normalisation process in Rockville.
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“We have had numerous meetings with the committee, which is why the normalisation process began.
“However, some of the recent actions are politically motivated due to the upcoming local government elections,” he stated.
He explained that a long-term solution would be to separate the Rockville feeder from the Duduza feeder.
“The best way to address the issue is for the Rockville feeder to be separated from the Duduza feeder,” he mentioned.
On community engagement, Sibiya stated that consultations are ongoing.
“For consultations, we have opted for one-on-one sessions at the office, where residents can raise any concerns,” he concluded.
Residents demand attention from the ward councillor. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Other than roads barricaded with rocks and burning tyres, the protest was peaceful. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Tyres were set alight as part of the protest action. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
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