Eskom’s prepaid meter upgrade project has plunged Soweto into turmoil. Residents rush to recode their meters before the 24 November deadline, facing potential power loss and heavy costs. Tragically, this rush led to the death of Joseph Fikile Busakwe, 59, while waiting in a queue in Orlando, the Daily Maverickreports.
Long Queues and Rising Tensions
Hundreds gather at Eskom service centers, hoping to recode their prepaid meters to KRN2. Mlungisi Gumede, who queued from 4 a.m., described the chaos: “There were already hundreds of people ahead of us.” Many residents camped overnight, desperate for assistance.
Witnesses were horrified by Busakwe’s sudden collapse. “He just fell from his chair,” Gumede said. Initial confusion turned to sorrow as authorities confirmed his death. Many expressed frustration, blaming Eskom for poor communication.
Residents claim they only recently learned about the Token Identification (TID) Rollover project.Nomalanga Mnyandu, another resident, criticized Eskom’s lack of education efforts: “The exercise is chaos. The deadline is too thin.”
High Stakes and Costs
Eskom remains firm on the 24 November deadline. Those failing to recode their meters risk power cut-offs and a steep R12,000 fee for replacement. Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, condemned the situation: “This falls squarely on the government. The public can’t afford these costs.”
Nomthadazo Xulu from Orlando described the scene as “sluggish and chaotic.” Anxiety runs high. Many fear waking up to darkness on Monday if their meters remain unchanged.
No Extensions, No Exceptions
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa dismissed calls to extend the deadline, citing technical limitations. “It’s not extendable. On November 24, if you haven’t recoded, you face a different problem,” he stated.
Calls for Better Planning
Critics argue the government underestimated the challenge. Duvenage emphasized the need for proactive management: “You can’t wait for the last minute and expect chaos not to follow.”
Residents highlight how vulnerable groups suffer the most. Julia Kgathatso Mahlatsi, 64, queued from 4 a.m. “This place is dominated by elderly and disabled people. They have no choice but to wait.”
Urgent Action Needed
With less than two days left, Eskom urges prepaid customers to act immediately. Those using KRN1 systems will lose functionality after Sunday.
Despite ongoing public campaigns, many residents feel unprepared and unsupported. The prepaid meter chaos underscores deep issues in South Africa’s infrastructure management, leaving many worried about their power—and their lives.
Do You Think People Had More Than Enough Time To Recode Their Meters?
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