GOOD Press Statement by Anton Louw,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
16 September 2022
The City of Cape Town has taken to the disgraceful intimidation of an elderly man in Plattekloof as part of its attempt to force residents to move over to prepaid electricity meters.
Earlier this month, the electricity of the 78-year old resident was simply cut off at the property, despite the municipal account sitting with R60 000 credit.
He has called this property home for over 30 years and has always been in good standing with the Municipality.
However, after the Municipality outsourced the installation of prepaid meters and the contractors struggled to get access to the property, they resorted to inhumane tactics.
After three days of darkness, the electricity was reconnected when they managed to set up a meeting, where officials informed the resident that his power would again be disconnected if he refuses to move over to a prepaid system.
The City’s use bullying tactics and threats of disconnection of an elderly resident is disgraceful.
As GOOD, we condemn the City’s shameful treatment of its most vulnerable residents and call on officials to refrain from using these harmful measures as a way to implement its new systems.
Media Enquiries:
Anton Louw, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 0823773335
Email: anton@cisfs.co.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za