Backroom Rental Businesses in Diepsloot Hit Hard as Tenants Leave Amid Power Cuts and Rising Crime
Diepsloot Business Owners Face Crisis as Eskom Crackdown Leaves Them in the Dark
Business owners in Diepsloot Extension 6, north of Johannesburg, are grappling with severe economic and security challenges following Eskom’s removal of over 35 illegally connected transformers. The crackdown, which took place in August 2024, aimed to curb unauthorized electricity use and alleviate strain on the power grid. However, more than five months later, residents who previously relied on the illegal connections remain in darkness, leading to a mass tenant exodus and a sharp increase in crime.
Backroom Rental Businesses on the Brink
The removal of illegal transformers has left rental property owners in distress, as tenants refuse to stay in accommodations without electricity. Edwin Mokoele, a backroom rental business owner, admitted that he relied on the illegal transformers because the cost of legal electricity was too high. His rooms, which range from R750 to R1,250 per month, once earned him over R10,000. Now, with power outages, tenants are moving out, and his business is collapsing.
Another business owner, Edward Masoga, claimed he purchased electricity legally but still faces the consequences of the power crisis. He highlighted an increase in cable theft and vandalism, worsening the already dire situation.
Crime Surges as Darkness Falls
Residents say the lack of power has led to a rise in violent crime, with criminals taking advantage of the darkness. Reports of robberies, stabbings, and shootings have become more frequent, leaving residents fearing for their safety.
“We no longer go outside at night because crime has risen more than before. People are being robbed at knifepoint and some are being shot,” said Mokoele.
Masoga also pointed out that the absence of electricity has disrupted mobile network reception, making it even harder for residents to seek help during emergencies.
Eskom’s Response and Power Restoration Efforts
Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi stated that power restoration is only possible if 60% of affected customers make an initial payment of R500 towards a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA). Currently, restoration efforts have begun in certain parts of Extension 2 and 6, where the payment threshold has been met. However, many households are still without power as they struggle to meet Eskom’s requirements.
Qithi also refuted claims that all of Extension 6 had reached the 60% payment threshold, emphasizing that illegal connections had not been recorded in Eskom’s official systems.
The Future of Diepsloot’s Business Community
With no clear timeline for full power restoration, business owners and residents in Diepsloot continue to face uncertainty. Many fear that if the electricity crisis is not resolved soon, their businesses may not survive, leading to further economic hardships and increased criminal activity in the area.
For now, Diepsloot remains caught between Eskom’s enforcement measures and the growing desperation of residents who need affordable electricity to sustain their livelihoods.
Also read: Eskom Assures SA: No Load Shedding Despite Koeberg Unit 2 Shutdown
