Several neighbourhoods in Kempton Park are still without electricity after a festive season and new year overshadowed by prolonged power outages.
This is a clear collapse of basic service delivery in the eyes of the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus).
While power supply has been restored to Esther Park, Spartan, Van Riebeeck Park, Birch Acres, Norkem Park and Terenure, parts of Birchleigh, Cresslawn, Glen Marais and Kempton Park Extensions 2 to 4 still do not have electricity – some areas have not had power for nine days.
The outages stem from infrastructure damage, network faults, cable theft and vandalism.
The impact on residents and businesses is severe and extends beyond financial losses.
It is particularly concerning that the Môrester children’s home had to manage without electricity for five days. Its power was only restored after constant pressure from the Freedom Front Plus.
Residents’ frustration is exacerbated by the Electricity Department’s poor communication.
Residents do not have access to clear and timely information, making planning during crises virtually impossible.
The Freedom Front Plus will monitor the Metro’s lack of transparency and accountability throughout 2026.
The ANC/EFF coalition government in the Ekurhuleni Metro is wholly to blame for the constant service delivery failures.
The Freedom Front Plus calls for urgent reforms in the Energy Department – including improved communication protocols and a shift system with the aim of improving after-hours response.
The party will keep using formal channels to restore reliable power supply, accountability and respect for residents’ needs in the Metro.
