Kabeljous resident, Ron Busquet (80), has been left frustrated after being unable to purchase pre-paid electricity from his Nedbank and Absa banking apps for the last two years, and has been sent from pillar to post for solutions to the problem.
He said that his pre-paid electricity meter was installed in 2012 and for the last two years he has not been able to buy electricity from his banking apps and instead receives an “error” message each time he tries. Busquet further said that it was particularly difficult for him to purchase electricity during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I have tried buying electricity on Absa and Nedbank banking apps but as soon as I put in the meter number it kicks me out with an error, referring to an incorrect meter number,” said Busquet.
He said that he can walk to the nearby supermarket or the Kouga Municipality to buy electricity but feels unsafe walking with cash.
Busquet said that he has previously used Ontec, an online system, to purchase electricity online but he had experienced difficulties with the system on various occasions.
He was also uncertain about how safe the online system was and stopped using it.
“It is absurd and unacceptable that I, an 80-year-old man, have to go to the supermarket to buy electricity or find someone to buy it on my behalf each time.”
He said that he had reported the issue to Absa and Nedbank and after investigating the matter he had been informed by both banks that the issue was with the local municipality and not his banking app.
Busquet said that he has raised the issue with municipal authorities, the municipal call centre and accounts department on multiple occasions, but has received no feedback.
“I have been trying hard to get help for the last three months but every time I find myself at a dead end,” said Busquet.
“I am desperate to get the matter resolved and I do not know what to do anymore.”
Kouga Municipality Communication Specialist, Monique Basson, said that they have discussed the matter with their service provider, and they are addressing the problem.
