Eskom Warns Against Election Posters

JOHANNESBURG, 15 October 2026 — Eskom has issued an urgent safety warning to political parties, independent candidates and election campaign teams, urging them to stop attaching campaign posters and banners to electricity infrastructure ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November 2026.

The power utility says it has observed an increase in election-related material being placed on electricity poles, transformers, mini-substations and other electrical installations.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, 14 October, Eskom warned that the practice exposes campaign workers and members of the public to potentially fatal electrical hazards.

The utility also cautioned that unauthorised posters could damage infrastructure and interfere with maintenance operations.

Eskom Warns Political Parties About Posters

Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the warning applies to everyone involved in election campaigning, regardless of political affiliation.

The utility has appealed to political parties, independent candidates, supporters, campaign workers and advertising agencies to use authorised advertising structures instead of electricity infrastructure.

Eskom acknowledged the importance of political campaigning in a democratic society but stressed that public safety must remain a priority.

The warning is not directed at any particular political party.

Instead, Eskom says its objective is to prevent injuries and protect critical electricity infrastructure during the election period.

Election Posters Pose Electrocution Risks

According to Eskom, people installing or removing election posters could be exposed to dangerous electrical equipment.

Campaign workers sometimes use ladders, climb poles or position themselves close to electrical installations to display campaign material.

These activities can result in electric shocks, serious burns and potentially fatal injuries.

The danger is particularly significant because electrical equipment may remain energised even when there are no obvious signs that electricity is flowing.

Eskom has reminded the public to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous.

The utility’s warning applies both to people installing posters and those attempting to remove them.

Transformers And Substations Must Remain Accessible

Eskom has also raised concerns about the impact of campaign material on electricity infrastructure.

Posters, banners and other unauthorised attachments can obstruct access to transformers, mini-substations and other equipment.

Maintenance teams require safe access to these installations to conduct inspections, repairs and emergency work.

Where campaign material interferes with access, it can complicate maintenance activities and create additional safety risks.

Unauthorised attachments may also damage equipment or interfere with routine infrastructure inspections.

Eskom says protecting access to electrical infrastructure is important for maintaining a reliable electricity supply.

Warning Applies Beyond Election Season

Although the latest warning follows an increase in election posters, Eskom has emphasised that restrictions on unauthorised material apply throughout the year.

Electricity infrastructure should not be used for advertising, promotional material or other unauthorised attachments.

This means the warning is not limited to the November local government elections.

The utility has encouraged advertisers and campaign organisers to use appropriate, authorised structures for displaying posters and banners.

Political parties should also check applicable municipal advertising requirements before installing campaign material.

Eskom May Remove Unauthorised Posters

Eskom has warned that unauthorised posters attached to its infrastructure may be removed when necessary to protect public safety or maintain access to critical equipment.

However, members of the public should not attempt to remove posters themselves if doing so would require approaching electrical installations.

The utility has encouraged residents to report unsafe activities through its official customer service channels or local operating offices.

Reports can help Eskom identify potentially dangerous situations and arrange appropriate responses.

The warning does not mean that all political posters are prohibited. It specifically concerns the unauthorised use of electricity infrastructure.

What Political Campaign Teams Should Know

With campaigning intensifying ahead of the local government elections, political parties are expected to display posters and banners in communities across South Africa.

Campaign organisers should distinguish between structures authorised for political advertising and equipment that forms part of the electricity distribution network.

Electricity poles, transformers and substations should not be treated as ordinary advertising spaces.

Even a temporary poster installation can expose workers to serious risks when electrical equipment is nearby.

Campaign teams should also avoid covering warning signs, equipment identification labels or access points.

Where there is uncertainty about whether a location is suitable, organisers should seek guidance from the relevant municipality or infrastructure owner.

Public Urged To Report Unsafe Activity

Eskom has appealed to communities to assist in protecting electricity infrastructure.

Residents who notice people attaching campaign material to electrical equipment should avoid confronting them in a way that creates further danger.

Instead, they can report the activity to Eskom through its official communication channels.

People should also avoid touching damaged electrical equipment, fallen conductors or suspicious attachments near substations.

If there is an immediate electrical hazard, residents should keep their distance and contact the appropriate emergency or electricity service provider.

Elections Must Not Compromise Safety

The warning comes as political parties prepare for the 4 November 2026 local government elections.

Election posters remain a familiar feature of South African political campaigns, helping candidates and parties communicate with voters.

However, Eskom says electioneering must not interfere with the safety and operation of essential infrastructure.

The utility has called for cooperation from political parties, advertising companies and the public to prevent avoidable injuries.

As campaigning continues, Eskom’s message is that electrical infrastructure must remain free of unauthorised campaign material.

Ubuntu9Media will continue covering election developments, public safety notices and issues affecting South Africa’s electricity infrastructure.