Eskom: stop putting election posters on live poles and transformers
The utility says climbing poles and working near live equipment to hang campaign material can kill, and that it will strip unauthorised posters off its infrastructure.
Eskom has appealed to political parties, independent candidates, supporters, campaign teams, advertising agencies and members of the public to stop attaching election posters, banners and other promotional material to its electricity infrastructure.
The utility said on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 that it has seen an increase in election-related posters fixed to electricity poles, mini-substations, transformers and other electrical equipment during the current campaign period.
The appeal applies to all election stakeholders. Eskom said the prohibition on attaching unauthorised material to its infrastructure applies throughout the year, and that the current appeal follows the rise in posters observed during the campaign.
The danger, according to Eskom, comes from what people do to hang and remove the material. Climbing poles, using ladders or working in close proximity to live electrical equipment can expose a person to electric shock, severe burns, serious injury or death.
Eskom also said unauthorised attachments can damage infrastructure, obstruct inspections and maintenance, and compromise safe access to equipment needed to support reliable electricity supply. Members of the public are reminded to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous.
Eskom urged election stakeholders to use only authorised advertising structures, and said unauthorised material attached to its infrastructure may be removed where necessary to protect public safety and to keep access to critical infrastructure open.
Unsafe activity involving Eskom infrastructure can be reported through the utility’s customer service channels or local operating offices.
https://www.eskom.co.za/eskom-warns-against-placing-election-posters-on-electricity-infrastructure-as-this-poses-a-significant-safety-risk
