FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTENTION: ALL EDITORS / REPORTERS
MEDIA STATEMENT 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 – TUESDAY__
TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN HOUSEHOLDS TO BE ELECTRIFIED IN TWO
WARDS OF UMZIMVUBU
The Umzimvubu Local Municipality continues to provide access to energy through the
Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) working with the Department of
Minerals Resources and Energy and Eskom. The aim of this programme is to ensure
sustainable development and growth of the economy through increased access to electricity,
especially in rural areas.
As part of Public Service Month, Umzimvubu Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu,
will tomorrow, 3 September 2025, lead the official introduction of contractors appointed to
implement electrification projects in two Wards. These include the Sogoni Phase 02 project
in Ward 17, which will benefit 150 households at a budget of R3.6 million, and the Sixhotyeni
Link-line project in Ward 04, set to connect 117 households at a budget of R4.8 million. Both
projects will create employment opportunities for 25 residents during their implementation.
After the contractors have completed, communities are urged to wait for the energisation
which will also be prioritised by Eskom.
“As the Municipality, we are appreciative of the patience that our communities have displayed
since the Municipality consulted with them over the electrification plan that is being rolled out
in phases. It is in our best interests to better the lives of the people of our area”, expressed
Mayor Ndevu.
While the Municipality is trying to ensure that all its Wards have access to electricity, the
Municipality would like to plea with members of the public to report illegal connections
(izinyoka-nyoka) as they are done by unqualified people who not only risk electrocuting
themselves but also expose other people to danger and the risk of injury and death if they
contact the connection.
Not only is this dangerous for the individual making the connection, but it also puts the rest
of the community at risk because these connections lie across pathways and walkways
where anyone passing by can easily be electrocuted by Illegal connections.
Members of the media are invited to join the Mayor and Members of the Executive Committee
as follows:
Date : 03 September 2025
Venues : Lubhacweni Great Place and Betshwana Community Hall
Time : 11:00 and 15:00
-Ends.
For media enquiries or more information kindly contact: Mrs. Nokhanyo Zembe: Senior Manager:
Communications and Special Programmes, Zembe.Nokhanyo@umzimvubu.org.za 039 255 8508 /
072 091 3952.