Eskom warns parties against a campaign that could end in a shock

Cape Town – Electricity poles across South Africa are becoming an unexpected battleground for political advertising ahead of the 4 November polls, prompting Eskom to warn political parties and campaign teams that putting up or removing posters on power infrastructure could prove fatal.

The power utility has cautioned that anyone working near live electrical equipment risks electric shocks, severe burns, serious injuries or death. It has also warned that unauthorised campaign material can damage electrical infrastructure, obstruct maintenance work and compromise public safety.

In what could be an unconventional round of “load shedding”, Eskom may have to strip campaign posters from electricity infrastructure where their removal is necessary to protect the public and ensure access to critical equipment.

In a media statement issued on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Eskom said it had observed an increase in election-related posters being attached to electricity poles, mini-substations, transformers and other electrical infrastructure during the current campaign period.

Unauthorised material 

“While electioneering is an important part of South Africa’s democratic process, electricity infrastructure must not be used for advertising or promotional purposes due to the significant safety risks involved,” Eskom said.

The utility warned that installing or removing campaign material near electrical equipment could expose individuals to electric shocks, severe burns, serious injuries or death, particularly when they climb poles, use ladders or work close to live electrical installations.

Eskom emphasised that the prohibition against attaching unauthorised material to its infrastructure applies throughout the year and is not limited to election periods.

It further cautioned that such attachments could damage electrical infrastructure, obstruct inspections and maintenance activities, and restrict safe access to equipment needed to maintain a reliable electricity supply.

Unsafe activities 

The utility has urged political parties, independent candidates, supporters, advertising agencies and members of the public to use authorised advertising structures rather than electricity infrastructure to display campaign material.

“Members of the public are reminded to always treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous,” the statement said.

Eskom also encouraged the public to report unsafe activities involving its infrastructure through its customer service channels or local operating offices.

The power utility added that unauthorised material attached to its infrastructure may be removed where necessary to protect public safety and ensure continued access to critical equipment.

The warning comes as political campaign material becomes increasingly visible in public spaces ahead of the elections, with Eskom stressing that political advertising must not compromise public safety or the integrity of the country’s electricity infrastructure.