Mangaung Public Hearings Reveal Demand for Stricter Penalties for Cable Thieves in Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill

Mangaung, Free State—The issue of cable theft, illegal electricity connections, and concerns over rising electricity costs took center stage at the public hearings conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy.

According to a new release by the Parliament of South Africa, the hearings were held at the Samson Sefuthi Community Hall in Botshabelo. The majority of the residents supported the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and were hopeful it would address cable theft, illegal connections, and the high cost of electricity.

While the Bill proposes a five-year jail sentence for cable theft, attendees suggested a harsher penalty of a ten-year sentence. They also urged the Bill to tackle the issue of illegal electricity connections, which they believe contribute to local load-shedding.

Questions were raised regarding the potential impact of Eskom’s planned unbundling on electricity costs. Residents sought clarity on whether these changes would make electricity cheaper or more expensive.

Some participants criticized the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) for failing to consider the needs of poor communities in their decision-making process on electricity tariffs. They proposed that Nersa conduct public consultations before making decisions.

Committee Chairperson Mr. Sahlulele Luzipo refuted claims that the public hearings were merely a formality, with decisions on the Bill already predetermined. “It is not true that there is a predetermined decision on the Bill. Different political parties represented in the National Assembly will still debate and vote on the Bill. That’s how multi-party Parliament works,” Mr. Luzipo said.

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill aims to amend the Electricity Regulation Act to provide for additional electricity generation capacity and infrastructure. It also aims to establish the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd and seeks an open market platform for competitive electricity trading. The Bill further assigns duties, powers, and functions of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd to the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd.

The committee will continue public hearings today in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality at Ferdie Meyer Hall in Welkom, starting at 10:00.