JoburgCAN says Johannesburg residents cannot be expected to participate meaningfully in Eskom’s public process on possible electricity interruptions while key information about the alleged Eskom, City of Johannesburg and City Power agreement remains hidden from the public.
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This follows public reports that an agreement had been reached to resolve the City Power debt crisis, despite no tangible evidence being provided to residents, businesses or civil society organisations that such an agreement exists or that Eskom’s process has been withdrawn.
JoburgCAN managing director Julia Fish said the city’s residents deserve clarity, not confusion.
“Johannesburg residents are once again being treated as collateral damage in a crisis they did not create. If there is an agreement between Eskom, the City of Johannesburg and City Power, then the public has a right to see it. If the PAJA process remains active, then residents must be told clearly and given enough time to respond,” Fish said.
JoburgCAN, together with other civic, business and property organisations, has called for the release of the alleged agreement and related correspondence, including communications about the termination of power to streetlights due to non-payment.
The organisation said this information is critical because residents have been asked to make submissions to Eskom by 17 June 2026 on a matter that could affect electricity supply across Johannesburg.
“Keeping the lights on in Johannesburg is a public interest issue. It affects homes, schools, hospitals, traffic systems, businesses, public safety and the local economy. This cannot be handled through vague statements and closed-door arrangements,” Fish said.
JoburgCAN supports calls for the public participation deadline to be extended by 30 days, and for Eskom, the city and City Power to publish the terms of any settlement, payment plan or operational intervention.
JoburgCAN urges residents, businesses, body corporates, schools, community organisations and affected stakeholders to make a formal submission before the 17 June deadline. To assist the public, JoburgCAN has created a simple objection form where residents can record their concerns and object to Eskom’s proposed interruption process. The form is available below: https://forms.joburgcan.org.za/form-6962220/object-to-eskom-coj-threat
“Residents who pay their accounts should not be punished for municipal failure. The city and City Power must be held accountable, Eskom must recover what it is owed, but the solution cannot be to plunge Johannesburg into deeper instability,” Fish said.
JoburgCAN urges residents, businesses, body corporates and community organisations to submit objections before the current 17 June deadline and to demand transparency, accountability and a fair process.
For media queries contact Jonathan Erasmus on 0732276075
Direct form link below:
https://forms.joburgcan.org.za/form-6962220/object-to-eskom-coj-threat