Telkom expectantly back online tonight

Major connectivity problems experienced by businesses and individuals due to labour action by Telkom workers will hopefully be solved by this evening (Tuesday).
Telkom Group Communications Executive Gugulethu Maqetuka telephonically confirmed to Polokwane Observer this morning that Limpopo has been hardest hit by alleged striking Communication Workers Union (CWU) members damaging and sabotaging Telkom lines in the province.
Several kilometres of fibre cable were reportedly damaged between Mookgophong and Louis Trichardt. “A team of technicians is on the ground to determine the damage and to rectify the problem. Areas in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are also being affected,” Maqetuka said.
He apologised for the inconvenience but gave the guarantee that technicians are working around the clock to get Telkom service back online as soon as possible.
A press release issued last Friday quoted Maqetuka to have announced a R1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of saboteurs targeting Telkom facilities and its infrastructure around the country.
“Since the commencement of the strike by members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) almost five weeks ago, Telkom has experienced an increase in acts of sabotage on its network especially in Gauteng, Limpopo and the KZN province. This has had a dire impact on our customers, whose services have been interrupted. Over 60 of our Street Distribution Cabinets (SDCs) have been damaged in the past few weeks and fibre and copper cables cut,” the statement read.
Maqetuka this morning said a number of investigations have already been launched into these acts of sabotage and Telkom expects some arrests to be made soon.
Anyone with information or who may know the identity of people responsible for the damage can contact Telkom’s crime reporting line: 0800 124 000.

Story: RC Myburgh
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