EFF Slams Mishandling of Joburg's Chaotic Electricity Meter Recode Process

EFF Slams Mishandling of Joburg's Chaotic Electricity Meter Recode Process



The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a strong condemnation of the government's handling of the prepaid electricity meter recode process, calling it a "disastrous and inhumane" failure. This crisis, primarily impacting Johannesburg and other parts of the country, has seen vulnerable residents grappling with overcrowded queues, financial distress, and even tragic loss of life.

At the core of the chaos lies the outdated Key Revision Number 1 (KRN1) system, implemented in 1993, which is set to expire on November 24, 2024. The necessary transition to the KRN2 system has been mismanaged, despite having over a year to prepare. Instead of a smooth rollout, residents were left scrambling in a last-minute rush to recode their meters, often enduring unsafe, lengthy queues.

Tragically, the disorganized process has already resulted in the deaths of two elderly South Africans who collapsed while waiting. The EFF has labeled this as "criminal negligence," accusing the government of prioritizing bureaucracy over the well-being of its citizens.

EFF spokespersons have called out the Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, as well as Eskom and municipalities, for their lack of planning and foresight. The rushed nature of the rollout, coupled with no provisions for extensions, has exacerbated the crisis. Those who fail to meet the November 24 deadline face exorbitant fees of up to R12,000 to replace their meters—a burden the EFF describes as "unconscionable" for low-income households and pensioners.

The party has demanded immediate action, including:

An extension of the deadline to prevent further suffering.

Scrapping punitive fees for those unable to upgrade in time.

A comprehensive, humane plan to assist all affected households, eliminating the need for queues.


The EFF's statement highlights the ANC and DA coalition government's inability to manage basic services, branding it a "betrayal of every South African."

As Johannesburg residents continue to grapple with this dire situation, the spotlight intensifies on the government's accountability and capacity to provide equitable s

 *Noko Maleka* 
 _Joburg news_

_22-112024_ .

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