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Eskom on Monday embarked on a week-long countrywide campaign, from 22 to 28 August, to educate South Africans about using electricity safely and responsibly.

The aim of the annual Eskom National Electricity Safety Week is to make communities aware of the basics of safe electricity usage and the risks associated with electricity theft, meter tampering, bypassing and illegal connections. We want people to know how to identify the dangers and what to do if or when they spot them.

Eskom is continuously implementing public safety programmes to educate people on the proper use of electricity as well as on the dangers of illegal connections and the hazards involved with vandalising equipment, meter tampering and cable theft.

Electricity safety is critical to the people who use electricity as increased awareness results in less crime, injuries and fatalities related to the unsafe use of electricity.

Eskom would not only like to increase awareness but also build partnerships, particularly with communities that are the hardest hit by the illegal use and theft of electricity. Ensuring that the whole of South Africa complies with the safe use of electricity is at the core of Eskom’s mandate and our objective is ensuring zero harm to employees, contractors and members of the public.

It is vital for community structures such as schools, hospitals and small businesses and even families to treat and use electricity with respect. We want to encourage everyone to save lives and be electricity wise. In instances of the unsafe usage of electricity and illegal connections, people are exposed to risk and lives are affected.

Eskom wants to remind all South Africans that, although electricity is an essential part of life, it can be dangerous if not used correctly. Community members are urged to report any unsafe conditions or connections they come across by calling 08600 ESKOM (37566). This includes any cases of dangerously exposed or low hanging cables, illegal connections, vandalism, cable theft etc.

Issued by Eskom