In a quiet corner of the Free State, a private company is helping to save four small towns and, in the process, give it one of the most reliable municipal electricity services in the country.
In the municipality of Mafube – which includes the towns of Frankfort, Villiers, Cornelia and Tweeling – a private power distribution company has taken over electricity distribution and billing from the municipality, which has been administered since 2017.
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The result is that, over the last 11 years, the rate increase for residents has been below that recommended by the regulator Nersa and the municipality has been able to invest more than R120 million for infrastructure upgrades.
The 25-year contract means that, effectively, the electricity supply has been privatized – but not the infrastructure.
While some other cities around the country are fighting with municipal incompetence, which affects the delivery of all services, Mafube is a standout exception.
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There is no reason – apart from the venal looting mentality of many ANC councilors – why this model cannot be rolled out across the country.
However, given that Mafube should be a constant reminder of the alternative to the ANC’s corruption and incompetence, we have doubts whether his example will be followed elsewhere.
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