Eskom Bans Election Posters on Power Infrastructure
The national utility warns that attaching campaign materials to poles creates lethal risks for workers and the public.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
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Eskom has strictly prohibited political parties from mounting election posters on electricity infrastructure like poles and transformers across South Africa. The utility is warning that such actions pose extreme dangers including electrocution and death for those installing them near live equipment.
Why it matters
The ban aims to prevent severe injuries and fatalities while protecting critical maintenance access to the national power grid. Unauthorized attachments can cause damage to equipment and create life-threatening hazards for any person climbing near live power lines.
Eskom maintains a year-round ban on attaching any unauthorized materials to electricity infrastructure. This policy is strictly enforced to avoid electric shocks, severe burns, and potential fatalities for individuals working near live equipment.
The players
Eskom
This state-owned enterprise is the primary provider of electricity across South Africa and manages the national power distribution network.
The details
Individuals attempting to install or remove posters often use ladders or climb directly onto poles in close proximity to high-voltage equipment. Eskom officials stated that the utility will proactively remove any campaign materials found on light poles to ensure continued safe access to the network.
Timeline
15 October 2026: Eskom reiterates the standing prohibition on posters.
4 November 2026: Date for the scheduled local government elections.
Political Context
Eskom's enforcement follows the strict safety standards required under national occupational health and safety regulations. Opposition groups may argue that such bans limit campaign visibility in dense urban centres like Pretoria, yet the utility maintains the policy is non-negotiable.
Political parties must remove campaign posters from electricity poles immediately to comply with safety regulations and avoid utility intervention. Residents should report any dangerous attachments on local transformers to ensure that maintenance crews can safely manage the electricity grid.
The takeaway
Public safety remains the primary justification for keeping electricity infrastructure clear of all campaign materials. Parties are encouraged to use authorised mounting sites to ensure their advertising does not disrupt essential utility services.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the South Africa elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Citizen.
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Should political campaigns be prohibited from attaching posters to public utility infrastructure in your community?
