EFF statement on the chaotic electricity meter recode process
22 November 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the disastrous and inhumane handling of the prepaid electricity meter recode process by the Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. This process, marred by incompetence, a lack of planning, and blatant disregard for the most vulnerable, has tragically led to the loss of lives and unnecessary suffering across the country.
This crisis lies in the outdated technology used in prepaid electricity meters across South Africa. Prepaid meters currently operate using KRNI (Key Revision Number I) tokens, a system introduced in 1993 with a fixed lifespan of 31 years. This system is set to expire on 24 November 2024, necessitating a nationwide recode to the new KRN2 tokens. Despite being aware of this technical deadline well in advance, Eskom and municipalities failed to execute a timely, well-coordinated upgrade.
Instead, they embarked on a last-minute rush, leaving millions scrambling to update their meters. This reckless approach has resulted in widespread panic, overcrowded queues, and, tragically, the loss of lives. The rushed nature of this rollout, with a looming deadline and no provision for an extension, exposes the government's disdain for the poor and marginalised. Elderly citizens and sick individuals have been forced to sleep outside in long, unsafe queues, desperately trying to meet a deadline that could have been managed better. The deaths of two elderly South Africans in these queues highlight the criminal negligence of a state that continually sacrifices its people on the altar of incompetence.
Despite having over a year to implement this transition, the government has failed to ensure a smooth, equitable process where people could have made the changes in the comfort of their own homes. Now, with the deadline imminent, those who miss it face the threat of paying exorbitant costs—up to R replace their meters.
This financial burden is an unconscionable punishment for poor households, pensioners, and the sick who have been left to fend for themselves amidst chaos.
The EFF calls for an immediate extension of the deadline to prevent further loss of life and hardship. If this is not possible due to the technological concerns, then the punitive fees for those who cannot upgrade in time must be scrapped, and a comprehensive plan must be put in place to ensure that every household is supported in upgrading their meters without the need for dangerous, humiliating queues.
The suffering caused by this process is a stark reminder that the ANC government, in coalition with the DA, continues to fail the people of South Africa. The government’s failure to manage basic services is a betrayal of every South African.
Issued by Leigh-Ann Mathys, National Spokesperson, EFF, 22 November 2024
