An 84-year-old Queen Mother of the Bakubung Ba-Ratheo royal family in Ledig, North West, Mampelo Agnes Monnakgotla, is taking legal action against Eskom after the utility removed electricity infrastructure from her home.
Monnakgotla, who lives at the royal residence in the Moses Kotane local municipality, is challenging the removal over allegations that the family was not given adequate notice and was not provided with an opportunity to arrange payment of the outstanding electricity debt.
Her daughter, Princess Pamela Monnakgotla, told TimesLIVE that the family was surprised when Eskom officials arrived at the property. She also raised concerns about her mother’s health, saying she suffers from dementia, hearing loss, poor eyesight and high blood pressure.
Family Says Eskom Arrived Without Proper Notice
According to an affidavit filed by Pamela at the North West High Court in Mahikeng, Eskom employees accompanied by South African Police Service members arrived at the property on October 9 and removed the electricity infrastructure.
Pamela said the officials handed the family an invoice showing outstanding charges exceeding R90,000.
“My mother is old and they handed us the invoice without notice first. And we did not mind to make a payment arrangement,” she said.
The Queen Mother does not deny owing Eskom money. However, the family wants the utility to provide a detailed account of the outstanding amount and allow them to negotiate a repayment arrangement.
Family Questions Reconnection Charges
Pamela said the family is also disputing the reconnection fee, arguing that Eskom did not provide the 14 days’ written notice they believe was required before the electricity was removed.
In a letter sent to Eskom on October 13, she requested evidence that the household had been notified about the disconnection.
The family asked for a copy of the final disconnection notice, proof of delivery, the date and time it was allegedly delivered, and the identity of the official responsible.
Pamela said they were prepared to pay for the outstanding electricity consumption but wanted the reconnection fee waived while their complaint was investigated.
Eskom Says Electricity Agreement Was Terminated in 2024
Eskom disputed the family’s account in its answering affidavit to the urgent court application.
The utility said its electricity supply agreement with Monnakgotla had been terminated on January 16, 2024, because of unpaid bills. It placed the outstanding balance at R96,399.92.
According to Eskom, the electricity supply had already been disconnected at that time, although its infrastructure remained at the property.
The utility alleged that technicians who visited the residence on October 9 discovered that the electricity connection had been tampered with, the meter had been removed and an illegal connection had been installed.
Eskom further claimed that the property continued receiving electricity after the original disconnection without the supply being properly metered or paid for.
It said the October 9 operation involved removing its infrastructure rather than carrying out an initial disconnection of a lawful electricity supply.
Utility Says Prior Notice Was Not Required
Eskom argued that it was not obliged to issue advance notice where tampering or an illegal electricity connection had been discovered.
In response to questions from TimesLIVE, however, the utility did not directly confirm the specific circumstances surrounding the removal, when the disconnection took place or whether the royal family had received written notification.
Eskom said electricity disconnections were conducted according to established procedures and could occur for different reasons.
“Where applicable, affected customers are engaged and kept informed throughout the process,” the utility said.
It also declined to confirm whether the royal family had an outstanding account, citing customer privacy protections under the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Eskom said it could not disclose protected customer information, including account balances, arrears history or details of disputes and queries.
Family Proposes R20,000 Deposit and Monthly Payments
Pamela said the family had proposed paying an initial R20,000 deposit, followed by R500 monthly towards the outstanding debt and the cost of ongoing electricity consumption.
Eskom questioned whether the proposed arrangement would settle the arrears within a reasonable period, saying it would take too long to clear the balance.
The utility nevertheless indicated that it was willing to discuss a suitable repayment arrangement with the family, together with the applicable reconnection charges.
Eskom also said Monnakgotla could apply for assistance through its indigent programme if she met the qualifying requirements.
Pamela, however, told TimesLIVE that Eskom employees had informed the family that her mother did not qualify for indigent support.
Family Raises Concerns About Queen Mother’s Medical Needs
The absence of electricity has also raised concerns about Monnakgotla’s daily care and medical needs.
Pamela said her mother relies on electricity to refrigerate some of her chronic medication.
She also highlighted the importance of having hot water available for bathing, given her mother’s age and health condition.
The family continues to challenge Eskom’s actions while seeking a breakdown of the alleged debt and an opportunity to agree on repayment terms.
