Eskom takes a stand against defaulting municipalities, KZN unaffected

The parastatal had given several municipalities until today to settle outstanding debts or make payment plans - to avoid being left in the dark.

Spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe says all Free State municipalities that had owed Eskom money have made payments or reached payment plans with them - through the assistance of their provincial government. 

One municipality in the North West was also able to avoid the supply interruption - but Ventersdorp and Naledi in that province were turned off this morning.

He says supply has since been restored, but will be turned off again this evening - if no plans are made. This will continue until their obligations are met.

"We are actually serious about this matter. Next week we are moving swiftly along to the Mpumalanga province, and parts of the North West. If they do not come up with plans, I'm afraid we are going to interrupt their power supply," he said.

Phasiwe says KZN and Gauteng are among the provinces not defaulting.

"We have many municipalities there that are paying their dues in time and in full. Therefore we do not have any problems affecting those provinces," he said.