Eskom, North West royal family clash over R90,000 electricity debt

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInSeipati MothoaOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandThe Bakubung Ba-Ratheo royal residence in Ledig, North West, stands in darkness after Eskom removed electricity infrastructure over a disputed R90,000 debt, and the Queen Mother has taken the power utility to court over disconnection. Picture: Pexels/Sora Shimazaki An 84-year-old Queen Mother of the Bakubung Ba-Ratheo royal family in Ledig, North West, Mampelo Agnes Monnakgotla, has been left without electricity after Eskom removed infrastructure from her home, sparking a legal battle over outstanding bills, notice and reconnection fees.

The Queen Mother, who lives at the royal residence in the Moses Kotane local municipality, is challenging Eskom’s actions.

Her daughter, Princess Pamela Monnakgotla, told TimesLIVE that the way the electricity was removed was unfair and that the family was not given proper notice.

She said her mother suffers from dementia, hearing loss, poor eyesight and high blood pressure.

In an affidavit filed at the North West High Court in Mahikeng, that TimesLIVE has seen, Pamela said Eskom employees, accompanied by members of the South African Police Service, arrived at their property on October 9 and removed the electricity infrastructure.

She said she was surprised by their arrival and was handed an invoice reflecting an outstanding amount of more than R90,000.

“My mother is old and they handed us the invoice without notice first. And we did not mind to make a payment arrangement,” she said.

The Queen Mother does not dispute owing Eskom money but wants the utility to provide a detailed breakdown of the debt and allow the family to enter into a payment arrangement.

Pamela said the family is also challenging the reconnection fee, arguing that Eskom failed to give the required 14 days’ written notice before the electricity was removed.

In correspondence sent to Eskom on October 13, Pamela requested proof that the family had been notified about the disconnection.

She asked the utility to provide a copy of the final disconnection notice, proof of delivery, the date and time it was allegedly delivered and the name of the official responsible.

The family said it was willing to pay the outstanding electricity consumption but wanted the reconnection fee waived while its complaint was being investigated.

However, Eskom disputed the family’s version of events in its answering affidavit to the urgent court application.

The utility said the electricity supply agreement with Monnakgotla had been terminated on January 16 2024, because of unpaid bills, with the outstanding amount standing at R96,399.92.

Eskom said the electricity supply had been disconnected at the time, but its infrastructure remained at the property.

It alleged that its technicians discovered on October 9 that the electricity connection had been tampered with, the meter removed and an illegal connection installed.

In its affidavit, Eskom further stated that the property had continued receiving electricity after the original disconnection without the electricity being properly metered or paid for.

It also argued that it was therefore removing its infrastructure and not disconnecting a lawful electricity supply for the first time.

The utility said it was not required to give prior notice when tampering or an illegal connection was discovered.

When TimesLIVE reached out to Eskom for comment, the utility did not directly confirm the specific reason for the removal, when the disconnection was carried out or whether the royal family had received written notice.

Eskom said electricity disconnections were carried out in line with established procedures and for various reasons.

“Where applicable, affected customers are engaged and kept informed throughout the process,” it said.

Eskom also did not confirm whether the royal family had an outstanding account.

“Eskom is unable to disclose customer-protected information, including account balances, arrears history and any disputes or queries, in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act,” it said.

Eskom said affected customers were informed of the process to follow to resolve disconnections.

Pamela said her mother needed electricity to keep some of her chronic medication refrigerated. “And at her age, she needs hot water for bathing,” she said.

The family had offered to pay a R20,000 deposit and R500 a month towards the arrears and the cost of current electricity consumption.

However, Eskom questioned the proposed repayment arrangement and said it would take too long to settle the outstanding balance.

The utility said it would be willing to engage with the family on a suitable payment arrangement, together with the applicable reconnection charges.

In the affidavit, Eskom also indicated that the Queen Mother could apply for support under its indigent programme if she met the requirements.

Pamela told TimesLIVE that Eskom employees told them that her mother did not qualify for support as an indigent.