MEDIA STATEMENT
Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, 20 February 2025 - Public Interest SA acknowledges Eskom’s concerns over the alarming rise in violent crimes targeting its employees, particularly in the Eastern Cape, and supports all lawful efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and the personnel responsible for service delivery. However, we strongly urge a holistic, community-centred approach that not only prioritises Eskom employees' safety but also addresses the root causes of escalating crime affecting residents in these vulnerable areas.
The 19 recorded violent attacks against Eskom workers, including 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings, are deeply concerning. These incidents reflect a broader failure of law enforcement and community security that extends far beyond Eskom personnel, affecting countless ordinary citizens who face similar threats daily.
Public Interest SA emphasises that energy security and infrastructure protection cannot be separated from the socioeconomic realities facing marginalised communities. The high crime rates in Mbodlana Village, uMthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo are symptomatic of deeper challenges, including:
High unemployment and poverty, which often drive desperation and opportunistic crime.
Ineffective policing and weak criminal justice enforcement, which embolden criminals to act without fear of consequence.
Lack of community engagement in crime prevention, leading to a breakdown in trust between residents, law enforcement, and service providers like Eskom.
Eskom’s collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is a step in the right direction, but it must extend beyond asset recovery efforts and financial loss mitigation. A people-centred strategy is urgently required — one that prioritises both employee safety and community well-being.
Public Interest SA calls for the following urgent interventions:
1. Enhanced Community-Police Collaboration
Law enforcement agencies must increase visibility and intelligence-driven policing in high-risk areas.
Establish community safety forums that empower residents to work alongside security agencies in crime prevention.
2. Multi-Sectoral Government Response
Government must acknowledge that violent crime against Eskom employees is part of a wider security crisis and act accordingly.
Strengthen local economies and job creation initiatives to address the underlying socioeconomic drivers of crime.
Ensure that the upcoming National Dialogue, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, places a strong emphasis on protecting public infrastructure and promoting moral regeneration as fundamental pillars for national development and social cohesion.
3. Eskom’s Role in Community Upliftment
Instead of threatening service withdrawal, Eskom should look at enhancing its investments in community engagement programs to rebuild trust.
Partner with local organisations, municipalities, and businesses to enhance job opportunities in infrastructure development and maintenance.
While we acknowledge Eskom’s frustration over violent crimes, it is counterproductive to frame the issue solely as a company crisis, without recognising its broader implications for society. Withdrawing services from high-risk areas is not a solution — it will only worsen existing inequalities, fuel resentment, and create further instability.
“Public Interest SA stands ready to work with Eskom, law enforcement agencies, and affected communities to ensure a sustainable, long-term response that prioritises both employee safety and broader community security. Crime thrives in environments of neglect — the solution lies in collective action, not retreat,” said Tebogo Khaas, chairman of Public Interest SA.
ENDS
