Eskom warns against election posters on power infrastructure

State-owned power utility Eskom issued a warning, urging political parties, independent candidates, and campaign teams to keep election posters off electricity poles, mini-substations, and transformers ahead of the local government elections.

Lethal Dangers on the Power Grid

Climbing poles, positioning ladders, or working in close proximity to live electrical equipment exposes workers and campaigners to severe electric shocks, debilitating burns, and death.

That stark warning comes from Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, whose comments appeared across regional reports from IOL, Algoa FM, and TimesLIVE. Mokwena noted a sharp spike in promotional material attached directly to the power grid during the current campaign cycle.

Operational Hazards and Blocked Crews

According to statements published by TimesLIVE and Algoa FM, promotional boards can physically damage installations and block maintenance crews from performing critical inspections.

These unauthorized attachments ultimately compromise safe access to equipment required to maintain a stable power supply.

Authorized Structures Only

Eskom has urged all election stakeholders, including advertising agencies and members of the public, to restrict their campaign materials strictly to authorized advertising structures. While acknowledging that electioneering forms a vital part of South Africa’s democratic process, the utility emphasized that power infrastructure must never be utilized for promotional activities.

Eskom Removes Unauthorized Posters to Protect Public Safety

Coverage by IOL and Algoa FM highlights that the prohibition remains in force outside of election seasons. Members of the public are advised to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous at all times.

Eskom has stated that unauthorized posters may be removed wherever necessary to protect public safety and guarantee access to critical grid components. Unsafe activities involving the utility’s network can be reported directly through local operating offices or standard customer service channels.