The inconvenience motorists had to endure last Wednesday, when the N2 was closed at Grabouw, could have been prevented.

So say Grabouw councillors, who pointed out Eskom doesn’t pay attention to residents’ grievances over power problems. “Some residents have been without electricity for more than a month, and peaceful talks and marches to the Eskom office in Grabouw haven’t helped at all,” they said.

Hermanus Times published an article about ongoing electricity problems in Grabouw and Bot River (Hermanus Times 31 July, “TWK-dorpe al dae sonder krag”).

Riots over the electricity problem started as early as 04:30, when protesters closed the N2. Soon after, a notification on several WhatsApp groups indicated the N2 was closed at Grabouw and alternative routes must be used. But vehicles piled up, and disappointed motorists were soon down in the dumps on hearing Clarence Drive was also closed due to an accident.

“This is f*&%@ng absurd!” one Facebook user wailed. “I can’t express my frustration better. We are losing thousands of rands worth of business because of these instigators. Why should we, who do not even live in the Theewaterskloof area, be punished for poor municipal services?”

But the residents of Grabouw, who have been without electricity for more than a month, feel differently. “We pay for our services and our electricity problems are not being fixed,” one protester complained. “We have logged our complaints on the Eskom portal, phoned them and begged them for help, but without any success. The past has proven that when you close the N2 the authorities react to your complaints.”

A WhatsApp message added fuel to the fire: “I understand that the group who went to talk with Eskom yesterday is not the same group as the one doing the toyi-toyiing and destruction. Apparently the negotiators had a fruitful discussion with Eskom, and Eskom seems to have promised that they would fix the power today in those areas that had power before the storms. Some of those areas have been without power for over a month. But there are also areas in the township that never have had power and apparently, around 02:00, a group of these people started the toyi-toyiing. Around 04:00 the transformers were destroyed. And now nobody in the township has power. It’s just incredibly sad.”

councillors, community workers stand together

Hermanus Times could not determine whether the rumour was true that Eskom had successfully negotiated with some of the residents.

Councillors and community workers also stood together to prevent the closure of the N2, without success.

The N2 opened at approximately 14:30 after Eskom, officials from TWK Municipality and the protesters agreed Eskom would attend to the residents’ power problems.

The good news was short-lived and on Thursday evening large parts of Grabouw were again without electricity. “I wish to share this very disappointing news that both technicians who know Grabouw best are on leave, which is putting a tremendous strain on the officials that are left,” Alderman Sammy Fredericks said on Facebook.

“We spoke to Eskom yesterday and raised these very critical matters, but it seems as if they are sticking to their position not to avail more staff to the Grabouw DNC. We have quite a lot of outstanding faults that need to be attended to, and Eskom doesn’t give a @#$*%. We are the people who pay the salaries and expenses of Eskom, but it feels as if we don’t get anything in return. So, people, just be patient with us as we try to mediate between our communities and Eskom.”

Community must take ownership

Another concerned resident said holding the municipality accountable is crucial, “but it’s equally important for the community to take ownership and responsibility for their areas.

“Vandalism is indeed a significant problem in many communities, and it’s essential to address it. When infrastructure and equipment are damaged or destroyed it not only wastes resources, but also delays progress and perpetuates cycles of disrepair.”

He suggested community members identify and address underlying issues driving vandalism, implement measures to prevent damage and protect infrastructure, and encourage fellow community members to take pride in their areas and report incidents, collaborate with local authorities to ensure swift maintenance and repairs and to promote education and awareness about the impact of vandalism.

“By flipping the coin and examining both sides we can create a more comprehensive approach to service delivery and community development. It’s not just about holding the municipality accountable, but also taking collective responsibility for our communities’ well-being. Let’s work together to build a more sustainable and thriving community.”