DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO.:
269
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 OCTOBER 2015
Mr M I Rayi (Eastern Cape: ANC) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1)
How much has (a) Transnet and (b) Eskom lost as a result of cable theft by syndicates from
1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2)
whether any measures are in place to curb this practice; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details;
(3)
how much has Eskom secured to make up for the shortfall of R225 billion funding package
approved by Cabinet late in 2014;
(4)
whether there are any non-core assets Eskom is planning to dispose of in the 2015-16
financial year; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
CO673E
REPLY:
(1) and (2) Loss due to cable theft for the period 01 April 2015 to 30 September 2015 and
measures introduced to curb theft:
SOC
Value of cable stolen
Eskom
R12 million
Measures introduced to curb theft

Proactive patrols to prevent incidents at sensitive
installations, supplemented by intelligence driven
operations in “hotspots” where cable thieves are
active. The goal is to identify and apprehend
syndicates and “bread and butter” thieves operating in
these areas;
Transnet
R10 million

Air support in the form of a Robinson 44 helicopter,
equipped with specialised observation equipment to
support ground teams in “hotspots”;

Alarm systems fitted on the lines;

Replacing copper cables with aluminium cables
where it is feasible;

Aggressive policing of the scrap market by law
enforcement agencies supported by industry roleplayers to ensure implementation of the new Second
Hand Goods Act, Act 6 of 2009; and

Continuous research and utilization of technology to
assist in the battle against theft.

A project is underway to replace overhead catenary
cables with “tiger wire” in high-risk areas. The
replacement cable comprises elements that will
render the cable useless when it is burnt and will
even contaminate other copper
products when
mixed.

Proactive patrols and intelligence driven operations at
“hotspot” areas are conducted in an on-going process.
The primary goal of our operations is to contain the
scourge of cable theft as well as identifying,
apprehending and successfully prosecuting the
perpetrators (syndicates). Internal and external
resources are utilized in the analysis of criminal data
into intelligence.
Active participation in the Non-Ferrous Crime
Combating Committee (NFCCC) where Telkom,
Eskom, PRASA, Business Against Crime (BAC) are
key role players under the leadership of the SAPS.
Ongoing engagements with law enforcement
agencies in the Criminal Justice Cluster enhances our
information sharing efforts in the fight against crime
within Transnet.


Awareness sessions are conducted on an ongoing basis with the Judiciary as well as the
communities in general, on the consequential
impact of the incidence of cable theft.
(3) Eskom managed to substantially mitigate the R 225 billion shortfall as a result of
many initiatives, including - cost cutting, capex rationalisation, government support and
increased funding. The funding plan for the period, 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2018 was
increased from R 200 billion to R 307 billion including the government support.
After taking into account the R 23 billion government support Eskom has to fund R 284
billion. Of the R 284 billion R 229 billion has been secured with R 55 billion unsecured.
Possible lenders have been identified to target the unsecured portion. The shortfall
excludes any potential risks that will have an impact on the shortfall.
(4) Yes, Eskom is planning to dispose of some non-core assets, mainly properties. The
option of disposing other non-core assets will be reviewed on a case by case basis
depending on the nature of the assets. Proceeds from the sale of non-core assets are
not expected to be material.