Shivambu Promises To Erase Soweto’s Eskom Debt

Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu has promised to eradicate Soweto residents’ historical electricity debt estimated at between R3 billion and R10 billion, if his party wins control of Johannesburg in Wednesday’s local government elections.

Addressing supporters in Soweto, Shivambu argued that the debt accumulated during apartheid-era rent and service-payment boycotts, and questioned why residents should still be expected to pay for what he described as an instrument of protest against an unjust system.

“The debt that Eskom is demanding from the people of Soweto did not come from people refusing to pay for services they received. It came from our parents and grandparents who boycotted payment as a weapon against apartheid,” Shivambu said. “Why must the children of Soweto pay for their parents’ resistance to oppression?”

A BOLD ELECTION PROMISE

Shivambu’s pledge is among the most direct and financially significant election promises made by any party in the run-up to the 4 November polls.

The historical debt has long been a flashpoint between Eskom, the City of Johannesburg, and Soweto residents. Successive municipal governments have attempted to collect the arrears, often with limited success.

Shivambu argued that forgiving the debt would free residents from the burden of arrears that have accumulated over decades, and said his party would negotiate with Eskom and National Treasury to write off the amounts owed.

“We are not asking for charity. We are demanding justice. The debt is political, and it must be settled politically,” he said.

EMPLOYMENT PROMISES

Alongside the debt forgiveness pledge, Shivambu promised unrestricted employment opportunities for all Soweto residents capable of working.

“Every person in Soweto who can work must be allowed to work. Not based on connections, not based on political affiliation, but based on ability,” he said.

He criticised the current municipal system for prioritising party loyalists in employment and procurement, promising that an Afrika Mayibuye government would abolish what he called “tenderpreneurship” and ensure that jobs and contracts go to those who can deliver.

THE COMPLEXITY OF DEBT FORGIVENESS

While Shivambu’s promise will resonate with Soweto residents who have long complained about the burden of historical debt, implementing it would be far from straightforward.

Eskom has previously stated that it cannot simply write off the debt without National Treasury approval, as it would have significant implications for the utility’s already strained finances. The debt is also intertwined with the City of Johannesburg’s own financial relationship with Eskom, and any forgiveness would require coordination between multiple spheres of government.

Some residents buy electricity directly from Eskom, while others purchase from the City. This complicates who owes what, and to whom.

THE ELECTION CONTEXT

Shivambu’s promises come just two days before the local government elections, where service delivery and the cost of living are expected to dominate voter concerns.

The water crisis, which has left parts of Johannesburg without water for up to three weeks, has intensified public anger at the City’s failure to deliver basic services. The Samwu strike, which has crippled water, electricity and waste services, has added to the sense of crisis.

For many residents, promises of debt forgiveness and jobs may be more appealing than technical debates about fiscal sustainability.

“We owe Eskom money we can never pay back,” said a Dobsonville resident who asked not to be named. “If someone says they will erase that debt, we will listen. What do we have to lose?”