Warrenton – Nina Letebele’s life will change for the better after her house became the 5.6 millionth to get electricity under government’s programme to electrify all households in both rural and urban areas.
Letebele, 65, who resides in Ikhutseng in the Magareng Municipality in the Northern Cape, could not stop smiling after Energy Minister Dipuo Peters switched on electricity in her home.
Letebele, who lives alone, told SAnews that electricity will make her life much easier, as she will no longer have to use candles for lighting her house and a paraffin stove for cooking.
“I’m so excited that I will now use electricity for both lighting the house and cooking.
“Life without electricity was difficult, as I always had to buy paraffin and candles, which did not last long,” she said.
Letebele has been without electricity since she became a resident of Ikhutseng in 1998.
When Peters entered her home, Letebele could not hide her excitement, knowing that her life was going to change for the better.
“I will also use electricity to warm myself this winter,” she said.
Since Letebele did not have electrical appliances in her house, she was presented with a gift of a two-plate stove, a kettle and an iron.
Peters said government was working hard to ensure that all households had electricity.
“Electricity changes our lives - we all need electricity.
“Government is committed and determined to ensure that all homes have services,” she said.
The minister cautioned that electricity should be used sparingly.
Neighbour Ben Motiti, 68, is also one of the people benefitting from government’s electrification programme.
“I’m excited now that I have electricity. I will be able to watch news on TV.
“No more cutting fire wood outside for cooking,” said an elated Motiti.
According to Peters, government’s plan is to electrify 150 000 households per annum throughout the country, until all homes have electricity.
Peters said the country was 85 percent electrified and a new household electrification strategy had been initiated to address the outstanding 15 percent through grid and non-grid means.
In Ikhutseng, more than 1 200 households have been electrified. – SAnews.gov.za
