ESKOM berates political parties over South African election posters

With just under five weeks to go to the 2024 vote, Eskom has taken political parties to task over the wanton placement of South African election posters. According to a release this weekend from Eskom, the state-run power utility has warned that it’s illegal to put them on any infrastructure. This is due to the risk of electric shock.

SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTION POSTERS

An all-too-common sight in the lead up to a General Election (picture from 2019). Image: File

Eskom – which is enjoying a record run of uninterrupted power for one full calendar month – warns those placing South African election posters may suffer shock or electrocution. “Sadly, in the past, there have been incidents where persons have been electrocuted or shocked,” said the state-owned power utility.

Therefore, the company urges political parties to refrain from putting posters up on electric poles, towers, meter boxes and mini substations. The 2024 General Elections will be held on Wednesday 29 May. And it promises to be the closest-run vote in 30 years, since Mzansi became a democracy.

INVISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE

It is illegal to tamper with or remove a poster of any political party. Rather report them to local authorities. Image: File

Eskom warns, “Electricity is invisible to the naked eye. And there is risk that when someone touches electrical infrastructure, they may suffer serious injury or death.” As a result, Eskom says only authorised staff can climb or work on its infrastructure. The practice of putting up South African election posters on Eskom infrastructure is a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Similarly, various metros and municipalities have issued their own rules. In Ekurhuleni, posters can be affixed to lamp posts, but only with a suitable cord. No metal or wire is allowed. And posters cannot be nailed to trees. In the Western Cape, posters may not be place on traffic signal poles. Nor, electrical distribution boxes, walls, trees, rocks or natural features. Basically, they may only appear on streetlight poles.

REPORT THEM, DO NOT TAMPER WITH

The IEC will take action against any party erecting South African political posters illegally. Image: X/@IECSouthAfrica

The Electoral Commission of South Africa’s code of conduct says, however, it is an offence to remove, deface or destroy posters of any political party. If you find any South African elections posters not adhering to the above rules, do not touch them, rather report them HERE.

NEXT READ: Minister announces amended SASSA social grants

What do you think of South African election posters being strung up anywhere and everywhere? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES FROM RAY LEATHERN