BE SAFE, SAYS ESKOM

Tswarello Monyane
Asiphe Cokile

Eskom’s National Electricity Safety Week kicked off in style in Kanana, an informal settlement close to Orange Farm outside Johannesburg. Kanana is an area faced with several electricity safety challenges, most commonly illegal and unsafe connections. This annual power utility safety week is a drive to educate the public about safe use of electricity and to engage with the masses and highlight the dangers associated with illegal connections and the unsafe use of electricity.
“As Eskom, we are always striving to prevent injuries and fatalities due to illegal electricity connections in our quest to achieve our ultimate goal of zero harm. We are aware that the biggest causes of these injuries and fatalities are illegal connections, contact with exposed cables, vandalism, and cable theft. We cannot continue to have innocent lives lost as a consequence of the unsafe use of electricity, particularly in the form of illegal connections, hence we are campaigning intensively this week” said Alex Stramrood, Senior Manager Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Eskom.
Furthermore Stramrood explained that Eskom cares about the safety of all South Africans and is committed to eliminating injuries or fatalities associated with the use of electricity. “We therefore urge all members of the public to save lives and be electricity wise.”
He also highlighted that Illegal connections are not only dangerous to the individual making the connection, but the rest of their community as well. “We want to remind all South Africans that, although electricity is an essential part of life, it can be dangerous if not connected and used correctly. Only Eskom authorized employees and contractors are allowed to work on the utility’s infrastructure.”
Did you know?
• This annual countrywide campaign runs from 17 to 23 August, and will see the utility’s officials engaging with the masses.
• Umzamba Eastern Cape), Ga-Ramokgopha (Limpopo), Highflats (KwaZulu-Natal) and Grabouw (Western Cape) are some of the areas where the Safety Week campaign will be rolled out.
• To report any illegal connections contact Eskom 08600 37566.

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