Spotlight on electricity safety to reduce casualties

Sunday, 10 August 2025. The month of August is dedicated to raising awareness about electricity safety. This initiative seeks to highlight the dangers associated with electricity and promote safe practices in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Electricity Safety Month is a timely reminder to keep electrical safety top of mind.. The primary objective is to reduce the risk of harm to the public, as well as to employees and contractors working with electrical systems. Although August is dedicated to promoting public safety practices and education, there is a continuous drive to ensure the safety of all electricity consumers.

“Last year, Eskom reported 200 public injuries and fatalities. It is genuinely distressing to think that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom because communities feel compelled to protect the illegal connections responsible for these incidents. Furthermore, criminal activities are on the rise, evidenced by an increasing number of infrastructure vandalism cases, theft of electricity cables, and attacks on Eskom staff,” says Miranda Moahlodi, Eskom’s Senior Manager for Health and Safety.

Illegal electricity connections and exposed wires pose a serious threat to the safety of our community, infrastructure, and lives. We all must take responsibility to report these dangers without delay.

Poorly installed or tampered with electrical lines are among the leading causes of fires in informal settlements and residential areas. By reporting hazards early, we can prevent fires that devastate homes and disrupt people’s lives.

Community safety is a collective effort. Each one of us has a part to play. If you notice a dangling/ low-hanging wire, an open electrical box, or unsafe connections running through trees, on the street or rooftops, please do not ignore it.

Let us commit to regularly checking our electrical systems, reporting hazards, and adhering to safety guidelines. Most importantly, we must act swiftly and responsibly as soon as we identify a risk.

“We appeal to communities to help us curb the aggression and violence that Eskom employees are subjected to. Like everyone else, we also have families waiting for us at home after work,” adds Moahlodi.

Together, we can create safer homes, safer workplaces, and ultimately, a safer South Africa.

Remember to contribute by reporting any illegal connections, exposed wires, or electrical wiring that appear dangerous to Eskom or your local municipality. By doing this, you could save a child’s life or the life of someone who is unaware of these dangers. Let us look out for each other and always practice electrical safety.

Report crime and any illegal activities impacting Eskom’s infrastructure through the following channels:Eskom Crime  Line:  0800 11 27 22.

Email: [email protected]

SMS: 31090

Please keep an eye on Eskom’s official social media pages and website for more information.

ENDS