The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo urgently calls on MEC for COGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, to intervene in the looming electricity crisis thousands of households in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality(GTM) will face in six days.
One of the GTM main substations in Tarentaalrand is located on land owned by a Lindor Ondernemings CC, who has been locked in a dispute with the GTM since 2023.
On 12 March 2024, the owner obtained a judgement against effecting that there is no existing servitude or lease agreement and that GTM was illegally occupying the property, without paying rent, and that the owner can evict GTM.
Despite several discussions to amicably resolve the issue between the owner, the municipal manager, Donald Mhangwama, and the legal officer of GTM, Justice Ramafala, no communication was received by the owner after 14 July 2025.
The owner will now execute the court order by disconnecting the substation on 29 September 2025 and will commence with dismantling the plant 14 days after the disconnection.
This will affect residents, from Deerpark, Taganashoek, California, Gladstone Nkowankowa and Lenyenye.
These areas comprise of large residential areas, farms, currently in full production, and industrial enterprises.
We will further request a full investigation into this matter, including holding responsible officials to account for negligence and for failure to act in the best interest of the public.
The blatant disregard for the well-being of the community is shocking and unacceptable.
The DA urges MEC Makamu to resolve this mess before GTM residents find themselves without electricity.