The looming threat of electricity interruptions to the City of Johannesburg due to the City’s escalating debt to Eskom, which has entered into the billions, showcases complete executive failure by the ANC-led coalition.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged that electricity revenue continues to be collected from residents while payments to the bulk supplier remain outstanding.
The DA’s request for an urgent debate on the Eskom debt was permitted and debated in Council on June 24 where Cllr Meyers led with critical questions to the Deputy Executive Mayor regarding:
- How the City accumulated debt of this magnitude;
- What interventions are being implemented to prevent supply interruption;
- The details of any agreement reached between the City, Eskom and National Treasury; and
- What contingency plans are in place to protect residents and businesses should Eskom proceed with supply reductions after 17 July 2026?
In response to the debate, the Deputy Executive Mayor did not answer the critical questions posed to the Executive. She stated that the “discussions with Eskom have been positive and practical” and that a key outcome from the discussions is that dedicated work streams will be established between the City, City Power and Eskom.
What the Deputy Executive Mayor did not state is when the implementation of these work streams will commence.
There are many concerns and questions that the Executive Mayor’s response has raised. The DA has therefore launched a petition calling on the City to provide full transparency regarding the Eskom debt, disclose the recovery plan, and ensure that residents are protected from any interruption of supply. The petition will be submitted before the 17 July 2026 deadline granted by Eskom.
Residents are urged to sign the petition and register to vote in preparation for the upcoming Government Local Elections on 04 November 2026 in order to ensure that their voice is heard.
The DA in Johannesburg will continue to fight for transparency, accountability and the protection of Johannesburg residents from the consequences of financial mismanagement.