Fake power-cut voice note dismissed

By: The Guard Newspaper
March 17, 2026
3:32 pm

Free State Eskom spokesperson Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg.

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Authorities have dismissed as false a viral voice note claiming imminent electricity cuts in QwaQwa.

Eskom and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality confirmed there are no plans to switch off power.

DAA project custodian Bibi Bedir said efforts remain focused on stabilizing and improving supply.

Eskom Free State spokesperson Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg labelled the recording “false, baseless and misinformation,” warning it undermines progress in restoring reliable electricity.

Municipal spokesperson Thabo Kessah echoed the rejection, calling it “a classic example of fake news” and stressing there is “no truth” to the claims.

Officials urged residents to ignore the voice note and rely on verified communication channels as work to stabilize supply continues.

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Correction : The advert of Maluti-A- Phofung Local Municipality Public Notice No 30, closing date of April 15 2026, published in The Guard Newspaper on Friday 17 April 2026 is wrong, correct closing date is May 15 2026

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Fake power-cut voice note dismissed

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