Electricity, equity and enforcement: Is there room for compassion?

NAOMI’S story is one of many across the city - a tale of desperation, struggle, and an impossible choice between survival and legality. She admits that her elderly, pensioner parents bypassed their electrical box, stealing electricity like thousands of others because they simply could not afford the soaring electricity prices. Now, she faces a staggering R35,000 tampering charge, with no hope of relief from the Sol Plaatje Municipality.

A Plea for Compassion

Her parents, both elderly and battling illness, lived on a meagre pension. With her father’s passing two years ago, Naomi has become her mother’s primary carer, unable to work as her mother requires around-the-clock care. With mounting expenses and limited income, they saw no alternative but to bypass their prepaid meter.

“I know it was wrong,” Naomi admits. “But I had hoped that, considering the circumstances, there would be some leniency, some form of understanding, and this while we went to the municipality ourselves and reported it to them in good faith. Instead, I was met with rude and unhelpful responses, and the municipality made it clear that my payments, however much I can afford, are simply not enough.”

The Bigger Picture: The Cost of Unpaid Electricity

While Naomi’s story is heartbreaking, it also raises a broader issue. The reality is that when people do not pay for electricity, municipalities struggle to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure. Roads remain riddled with potholes, water supply issues persist, and service delivery continues to deteriorate.

Eskom, already drowning in debt, continues to place the burden of non-payment on municipalities like Sol Plaatje, which in turn increases tariffs, making it even harder for the average citizen to keep up with their bills. The cycle of financial strain perpetuates itself, and the hardest hit are always the ordinary people.

A System That Punishes the Poor

What frustrates many residents, including Naomi, is the double standard when it comes to enforcement. Households struggling to keep up with their payments face immediate disconnections, heavy fines, and no flexibility. Yet, government departments owe Sol Plaatje Municipality hundreds of millions of rand in unpaid electricity bills.

“These departments have budgets allocated for power,” one resident pointed out, “yet they don’t pay, and nothing happens to them. But if a struggling family falls behind, their electricity is cut off without hesitation.”

There have been cases where certain individuals were granted leniency, particularly during the current meter upgrade process, but according to Naomi, her case has not received the same consideration. Her appeal for fairness has been met with rejection and bureaucracy, she said.

The Need for Balance

Electricity theft is a crime, and it cannot be condoned. However, there needs to be a balance between enforcing the law and showing humanity. As energy costs continue to rise, more and more residents are facing similar dilemmas. The government and municipalities must find ways to support the most vulnerable while still ensuring that electricity remains a sustainable service.

A possible solution could be a structured debt-relief or amnesty programme for first-time offenders who come forward, much like those granted leniency in previous cases. This would encourage honesty while helping struggling residents work towards a solution rather than plunging them into inescapable debt.

Naomi’s case is a call for fairness and a reminder that while the rules exist for a reason, so does the need for empathy. If we truly want a better system, we must address both accountability and compassion in the way our municipalities handle such crises.

Thabo Mothibi, manager of the communications unit at Sol Plaatje Municipality, responded to concerns regarding electricity tampering and enforcement policies.

“Tampering is a criminal offence in that it’s theft and interference with municipal infrastructure,” he stated.

In response to whether the municipality has policies offering leniency for pensioners or carers, especially those who self-report, Mothibi stated, “The Indigent Policy is meant for households with less than R4,500 income. Many of our indigents are pensioners and child-headed households. We provide 50 free electricity units per month to indigent households.”

Regarding the R35,000 fine, he explained that tampering carries a fixed charge of R10,266, which includes an administration fee, disconnection fee, and reconnection fee. The municipality then assesses the purchase history and calculates financial losses incurred. “The period of tampering determines the tampering fine. A calculation allows for an immediate payment and an amount to be paid over a period as per arrangement through the Credit Control office. We are most likely, in the near future, going to push for criminal prosecution.”

On the issue of appeals, he reiterated, “Tampering is theft, and the above measures shall apply in how we are dealing with all cases.” However, he confirmed that structured payment plans are considered.

When questioned about outstanding debts owed by government departments, Mothibi noted that positive responses have been received and millions have been recouped. “We even had an instance where one of the ministerial offices was switched off.”

Addressing concerns about household electricity disconnections versus government departments facing fewer consequences, he stated, “As explained above, we have acted against many departments. Where arrangements were not honoured, disconnections were effected. All are being treated equally; hence, we encourage government, businesses, and households to proactively approach the municipality to make arrangements before we take action.”

A Growing Crisis

Naomi’s case is just one example of a growing crisis - where financial hardship collides with rigid municipal policies. While electricity theft cannot be ignored or condoned, neither can the struggles of those who feel they have no other choice.

As the cost of living rises and enforcement remains unforgiving, the question remains: Can a system built on penalties and disconnections ever truly serve the people it is meant to support?"