JOHANNESBURG - Eskom has warned political parties, candidates, campaign teams and members of the public to keep election posters and promotional material off electricity poles, transformers, mini-substations and other electrical infrastructure.
The power utility warned that climbing poles or working near live electrical equipment to put up or remove posters can result in electric shocks, severe burns, serious injuries or even death.
Unauthorised posters can also damage critical infrastructure and interfere with maintenance, potentially affecting the safe and reliable supply of electricity, it said.
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“While electioneering is an important part of South Africa’s democratic process, electricity infrastructure must not be used for advertising or promotional purposes due to the significant safety risks involved.”
Eskom said that this prohibition applies throughout the year, not only during election campaigns.
“All campaign material should be placed on authorised advertising structures. Electricity infrastructure is not an advertising space. Stay safe, keep your distance and report unsafe activities to Eskom through its customer service channels or local operating offices.”
It said authorised material may be removed where necessary to protect public safety and ensure access to critical infrastructure.
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