logo
eThekwini bypasses meters due to shortage

eThekwini bypasses meters due to shortage

The Citizen14-07-2025
THE eThekwini Municipality has admitted to deliberately bypassing electricity meters in Durban due to a critical shortage, raising concerns about revenue loss, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of the city's electricity system.
Some households in Durban are receiving electricity without functional prepaid meters, as municipality technicians have been instructed to bypass metering systems. However, the municipality said meter procurement process is at an advanced stage.
Spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality Gugu Sisilana said, 'As we are currently unable to replace meters, we are compelled to bypass them temporarily to ensure continued service to customers. During this period, customers will be billed based on estimated charges. The shortage of meters should be resolved in the next few months.'
The ongoing shortage of electricity meters in Durban has now affected a family in Merebank.
The couple, Kathereeku and Sarasvathie Govender, had their electricity supply cut off after their prepaid meter stopped working in September last year.
Also read: Wentworth woman loses everything in house fire
According to the family, their ordeal began at that point, when the prepaid system failed and has yet to be replaced.
Sarasvathi said they immediately reported this to eThekwini Municipality.
'The workers from eThekwini arrived at our home to fix our meter, however, instead of replacing it they told us that eThekwini Municipality is facing a severe shortage of electricity meters. They told us that they will bypass the meter,' said Govender.
Also read: Wentworth woman loses everything in house fire
The family stated that the municipal team did not explain the potential financial implications, and they now fear that they might eventually be held liable for a large, backdated electricity bill.
The Govenders also expressed confusion about where their current electricity supply is coming from, as no explanation was provided when the bypass was implemented.
The Southlands SUN visited the property last week, and upon inspection saw two electricity meter boxes.
'There is one that is functioning and supplying electricity to the bottom building. According to the family, the second meter supplies electricity to an additional building on the property.
'However, this meter has become ineffective, resulting in a lack of electricity supply to that part of the premises,' Govender added.
Sisilana said the current policies of the municipality does not permit two meters per property.
'However, this could have been a historical fitment where the City used to install a second meter on the same property which has a separate dwelling unit,' said Sisilana.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SA lawyer forces US tech giant to name site users
SA lawyer forces US tech giant to name site users

eNCA

time2 hours ago

  • eNCA

SA lawyer forces US tech giant to name site users

JOHANNESBURG - In a story similar to the Biblical David and Goliath, a South African lawyer and owner of the Digital Law Company has forced a US tech giant to disclose information about explicit content. The lawyer, Emma Sadlier, made WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram owner Meta Platforms disclose the information of users posting explicit content of South African schoolchildren. The Digital Law Company discovered over 1,000 explicit posts of children, including videos and photos, published by 30 Meta accounts in just a few days.

Orlando Pirates news: Commercial win and transfer setback
Orlando Pirates news: Commercial win and transfer setback

The South African

time8 hours ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates news: Commercial win and transfer setback

Orlando Pirates' emphatic offseason just got better. Suzuki, the Japanese car manufacturer, has officially partnered with the Soweto giants as their new vehicle sponsor. 'A new chapter starts here,' Suzuki announced. 'From the streets to the stadium, we move as one.' This agreement strengthens Pirates' already formidable sponsor portfolio, which includes big names like Adidas, Aquelle, Vodacom and Carling Black Label. While the Suzuki announcement is a commercial boost, one of Pirates' long-standing targets, Fawaaz Basadien, appears set for a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. After missing training yesterday, speculation has intensified around his potential exit. In addition, concerns continue around the future of one of the club's brightest young prospects, Relebohile Mofokeng. With several foreign clubs circling, his father, Sechaba, has made no secret of his desire to see him leave the local league for Europe. 'I know God will answer my prayers,' he said. 'Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country — but not Saudi Arabia. Not yet.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Gondwana game reserve boss killed in elephant incident
Gondwana game reserve boss killed in elephant incident

IOL News

time13 hours ago

  • IOL News

Gondwana game reserve boss killed in elephant incident

CEO and co-owner of the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, FC Conradie (39), tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on the morning of Tuesday, July 22. Image: Facebook GONDWANA Private Game Reserve chief executive and co-owner FC Conradie's passing after being trampled by an elephant has been described as a huge loss to the hospitality industry and conservation community. Emergency services were summoned to the scene at the reserve located about 30km outside Mossel Bay on Tuesday. 'On arrival the members found the man, employed at the business, with multiple injuries. He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene. The elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival. 'Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,' said police spokesperson Christopher Spies. A statement by the game reserve described Conradie as a 'devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many'. 'FC was a beloved and highly respected figure, both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community. His passing has left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A close family friend and spokesperson for the reserve, speaking on behalf of the Gondwana team, said: 'This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader - he was a mentor, a visionary, and a truly remarkable human being. We kindly ask for privacy and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time. Everyone who knew FC is grieving deeply.' François Ferreira Academy, a Culinary Arts & Hospitality Training school in George acknowledged his lasting impact on their students, noting that Gondwana had welcomed them for the practical component of their training. 'FC was not only a visionary leader but also a passionate advocate for growth, development, and the power of hospitality to transform lives. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Gondwana team during this incredibly difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.' Cape Times

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store