Cape Town, South Africa – Eskom, the South African utility company, has made the decision to withdraw its staff from Site B in Khayelitsha following a violent attack on two employees during operations in the area. The attack, which occurred in the X and XA sections of Site B, left one staff member with severe injuries, requiring medical attention.
During the incident, the employees were not only physically assaulted but also had their car keys allegedly taken, hindering their ability to complete their work. Additionally, an Eskom enterprise digital assistant device was reportedly taken, although only the vehicle keys have been recovered. The attack has forced Eskom to temporarily suspend services in the area, potentially leading to delays in electricity restoration efforts and prolonged outages for customers.
This is not the first time Eskom has had to withdraw its services due to violent attacks on its employees. A similar incident occurred in August 2023, prompting the suspension of services in multiple areas, including Khayelitsha, Delft, Belhar, Dunoon, Philippi, and Fisantekraal after a vehicle was petrol-bombed during a taxi strike.
In response to the recent attack in Khayelitsha, Eskom has stated that they will be collaborating closely with local authorities to assess the situation before deciding when it will be safe for staff to return to the area and resume operations. The company has strongly condemned the harassment of its employees, emphasizing that their safety remains a top priority.
The withdrawal of services in Site B highlights the ongoing challenges faced by utility companies in ensuring the safety of their employees while carrying out essential operations. It also underscores the impact that such attacks can have on the delivery of services, potentially causing disruptions for those reliant on electricity for their daily needs.
As Eskom works to address the aftermath of the attack and assess the situation in Site B, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of utility workers as they strive to provide essential services to communities across South Africa.