The City is committed to saving lives and protecting energy security in Langa

30 April 2025

STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, COUNCILLOR CARL POPHAIM

The City’s Human Settlements and Energy Directorates are working closely with Eskom National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) and all relevant stakeholders to urgently assist the families living near the vandalised high-risk Eskom Tower 37 electricity pylon in Langa.

The City has instituted emergency protocols in order to ensure the safety of residents living close to the severely vandalised and dangerously unstable tower. It is our foremost priority to protect lives. We are taking swift action to ensure that the affected families are relocated to a safer living area as a matter of urgency and we appeal to the community for their cooperation and understanding during this critical time.

The damage to the Eskom infrastructure poses a significant threat—not only to those living under and near the pylon, but also to the wider area, which will face serious consequences should the structure collapse. Should the tower structure collapse, a large majority of the Cape Town metro will face an electricity outage lasting an indefinite timeframe.
The City will not allow families to remain in this hazardous area due to the immediate safety risks.
Eskom approached the City to assist the transmission company to facilitate the relocation, as Eskom cannot stabilise and repair Tower 37 while homes remain within the affected servitude.

This relocation is being handled with the utmost urgency and sensitivity in line with disaster management guidelines. The City is committed to working together with the community and all stakeholders to ensure the relocation process is handled with care, dignity and compassion.

The City has explored a number of alternative sites where an immediate relocation is possible. The final identified site is City- owned property, and due to the life-threatening risks, this identified land is the most suitable for the emergency relocation.
The City will continue to act in the best interest of all the people of Langa and the shared interest across the metropolitan, protecting lives and access to services.

Importantly, this move also presents an opportunity to connect relocated families to formal electricity services—something not possible in the current location due to national safety regulations and City policies.

We thank the residents for their patience and support, and we remain committed to ensuring their safety and well-being throughout this process. Those who are inciting violence and disunity among the community have not been helpful, and the City reminds residents that the safety of residents is our utmost priority during this time.
 
End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office