uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, today, Tuesday, 03 March 2026, held a meeting with Eskom, councillors, and traditional leadership structures within uMfolozi ahead of the rollout of the smart meter installation programme.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Bhengu, honourable councillors, Inkosi of the Mthembu Traditional Council, izinduna representing traditional councils, the Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, municipal departmental managers, Eskom representatives, and contractors who will be responsible for replacing the meters.
The Eskom official assigned to oversee the project, Mr Timothy Ngcobo, indicated that the installation of these smart meters will assist in addressing the electricity load reduction experienced in many wards of uMfolozi between 05h00–09h00 in the morning and again in the evening.
He explained that the new meters will enable residents to monitor their electricity usage more effectively and identify possible causes of unusually high consumption.
He further highlighted the availability of a support programme for indigent households, which provides 50 kWh of free basic electricity. He noted that in uMfolozi the number of households registered for this programme is still very low, and that Eskom will work together with the Municipality to identify qualifying beneficiaries so that they can benefit from the programme.
He also stated that where electricity meters have been tampered with or bypassed, Eskom will replace the meter free of charge and issue a yellow warning letter indicating misconduct. Should the offence be repeated, the customer will then be liable for penalties.
Eskom appealed to community leaders and residents to assist in ensuring the safety of contractors who will be carrying out the installations.
Councillors and izinduna were also given an opportunity to ask questions and raise electricity-related challenges affecting their respective wards.