“I could smell smoke coming from the television set. When I checked outside, the whole area was dark,” she said.
Mbangeli has no money to replace the ruined appliances as she survives on her five grandchildren's social grants.
Residents said they visited Eskom offices in Mthatha and were given forms to fill in describing the fault and listing the damage incurred. They were told to provide purchase receipts for the damaged items but both women said many people had lost most of their personal belongings, including receipts, during the 2017 tornado.
Eastern Cape Eskom spokesperson Zama Mpondwana confirmed that a fault that affected Old Payne had been reported and was under investigation.
He said all affected customers were advised to lodge damage claims through the power utility's contact centre at 08600-37566. Upon receipt of the formal claim, Eskom would guide them on the requirements and relevant forms to be completed.
“It is important to provide evidence of the loss by way of photographs to assist with the investigation. The outcome of the claim will be communicated with the claimant once it is concluded.”
Villagers demand Eskom replace blasted appliances
Image: ESKOM
Furious residents of Old Payne village near Mthatha are demanding compensation after electrical appliances in their homes blew up last Wednesday.
They suspect a power surge and are adamant that Eskom, which supplies electricity to the area, should reimburse them.
Most villagers affected are unemployed and rely on state social grants.
Widow and mother of four Portia Nofemela said her damaged appliances included a TV, fridge, cellphone, DStv decoder, cellphone charger and several light bulbs. She estimated her losses at around R20,000.
Eskom appeals for help as power system is 'severely constrained'
“It was around 11pm and I was watching TV when I heard this loud bang outside. Then the bulbs started fusing like they'd had an electric shock. Then the wall plug of the television exploded.”
She needed compensation as she was unemployed, she said.
“I don't work so I need Eskom to pay for my things that were damaged.”
KSD municipal spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza declined to comment and referred questions to Eskom.
However, he said the local authority would do its own follow-up on the problem as the village fell under KSD's jurisdiction.
Nomathamsanqa Mbangeli stays in a temporary shelter provided by KSD after her house was destroyed in a tornado in 2017.
She heard an explosion while watching TV and then her house was plunged into darkness as light bulbs and the TV blew.
“I could smell smoke coming from the television set. When I checked outside, the whole area was dark,” she said.
Mbangeli has no money to replace the ruined appliances as she survives on her five grandchildren's social grants.
Residents said they visited Eskom offices in Mthatha and were given forms to fill in describing the fault and listing the damage incurred. They were told to provide purchase receipts for the damaged items but both women said many people had lost most of their personal belongings, including receipts, during the 2017 tornado.
Eastern Cape Eskom spokesperson Zama Mpondwana confirmed that a fault that affected Old Payne had been reported and was under investigation.
He said all affected customers were advised to lodge damage claims through the power utility's contact centre at 08600-37566. Upon receipt of the formal claim, Eskom would guide them on the requirements and relevant forms to be completed.
“It is important to provide evidence of the loss by way of photographs to assist with the investigation. The outcome of the claim will be communicated with the claimant once it is concluded.”
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