DOCRRA is delighted to share an update with the community on the various interventions that were launched since the outset of this crisis. We understand how incredibly frustrating this has been for such a long period of time, and we are putting all resources at our disposal (as well as our entire team of volunteers) to work to bring this untenable situation to an end. Our strategy is also focused on determining the causes of such a large-scale infrastructure failure so that measures can be taken to ensure it does not happen again.
KDM Correspondence – Sent 16 December 2024
To date, we have received no reply to this request for information from Mayor Ngidi, the Municipal Manager, and Mr. Sibusiso Jali, the ED of the Electricity Business Unit. We have, however, (via a third party), obtained a report on the initial outage that occurred from 12-16 December 2025. The report addresses some of the questions we raised around the timeline and causes of the outage but leaves more questions than answers, particularly pertaining to maintenance and the lack of communication to residents. To read the report, click here.
Request for Municipal Oversight to MEC for COGTA Buthelezi – Sent 9 January 2025
Subsequent to receiving no feedback from KDM, we escalated this lack of communication to the MEC for COGTA, Rev. Buthelezi, who has acknowledged our correspondence and whose reply we expect imminently.
NERSA Complaint – Sent 9 January 2025
As part of a multi-faceted approach, we also submitted an official complaint to NERSA, the energy regulator of South Africa. They have directly asked Sibusiso Jali, ED for the Electricity Business Unit, to explain what KDM have done to resolve the crisis. NERSA issue the license to KDM to allow them to distribute power and stipulate specific compliance requirements that must be met. Our electricity subcommittee is collaborating with an external advisor to determine whether KDM are indeed compliant, according to previous audits. We have also asked NERSA to conduct a new audit to provide clarity on the current state of our infrastructure. To read our complaint and accompanying letter, click here.
PAIA Requests to KDM – Sent 13 January 2025
To compel communication from KDM, we have also submitted five PAIA requests for maintenance logs and plans, previous electrical infrastructure audits, a full asset register and schematic, a log of faults and repairs from the outset of the crisis to present, and a complete list of vacancies with organogram. PAIA requests must be responded to within 30 days. We will report back to the community as soon as any information is received. To read the requests, click here.
Stakeholder Engagements – Ongoing
Further to our communication with municipal oversight structures and KDM, we are also holding stakeholder engagements with our civil society partners such as KwaDukuza Residents Forum (KDRF) and Ilembe Civic Action Movement (ICAM). We remain in close contact with our residential estate members, ward councillors, the Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, as well as other key private sector role-players to share insights, best practices and ensure we do not duplicate efforts.
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