South Africa Grapples with Deadly Non-Compliant Electrical Cables Crisis
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Tax Justice South Africa exposes a dangerous trade in aluminium-based electrical cables falsely marketed as SABS-approved, prompting urgent calls for action from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to curb this lethal illicit market.
Johannesburg, South Africa – March 5, 2025 – A chilling revelation about non-compliant electrical cables flooding South Africa’s markets has sparked widespread alarm, as Tax Justice South Africa (TJSA) warns of a deadly threat to public safety. In a post on X on February 12, 2025, TJSA highlighted the proliferation of aluminium-based electrical cables falsely labeled as South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)-approved, despite being illegal to sell locally. The organization’s call to action, tagged #StopTheShock and directed at the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), has ignited a national conversation about consumer safety and regulatory oversight.
The cables, showcased in images shared by TJSA, appear in rolls bearing SABS logos, but their aluminium composition renders them non-compliant with South African standards, which mandate copper for safety and durability. Aluminium conducts electricity less efficiently and poses a higher risk of overheating, sparking, and fire—hazards that have already claimed lives and damaged properties in homes and businesses. “These are ticking time bombs,” said TJSA spokesperson Nia Mbatha. “They’re being sold in hardware stores, markets, and online, putting families at risk.”
The illicit trade, estimated to cost the economy billions annually, thrives in a regulatory gray zone. While SABS certification ensures products meet stringent safety requirements, TJSA alleges that unscrupulous suppliers exploit lax enforcement to peddle substandard goods. “They claim SABS approval, but they can’t be—aluminium cables are banned here for good reason,” Mbatha added. The organization’s investigation, backed by whistleblower reports and market surveys, suggests the problem spans urban and rural areas, with consumers often unaware of the danger.
The NRCS, tasked with enforcing compulsory specifications, has faced criticism for its slow response. In a statement on Tuesday, the regulator acknowledged the issue but said it was “investigating reports of non-compliant cables” and working with law enforcement to trace suppliers. However, TJSA and industry experts argue that more decisive action is needed, including nationwide recalls, stricter penalties, and public awareness campaigns. “We’ve seen this before—cheap imports killing our people,” said electrical engineer Thabo Mokoena. “The NRCS must act before another tragedy strikes.”
The dtic, which oversees the NRCS, has remained largely silent, though a spokesperson promised a “comprehensive review” of trade regulations. Meanwhile, the South African National Standards (SANS) body, responsible for certification, reiterated that aluminium electrical cables fail to meet SANS 1411 standards, which require copper for household and commercial use. “This isn’t just a technicality—it’s a life-or-death matter,” said SANS director Sipho Ngcobo.
For consumers, the crisis is a wake-up call. “I bought these cables for my house last year—now I’m terrified,” said Pretoria resident Lerato Khumalo, who purchased a roll from a local hardware store. “How do we know what’s safe?” Experts advise checking for genuine SABS marks, buying from reputable suppliers, and hiring registered electricians, but trust in the market has eroded.
The issue reflects broader challenges in South Africa’s trade and safety landscape, including porous borders, corruption, and underfunded regulators. Just last year, the NRCS faced scrutiny over delays in addressing counterfeit goods, from food to appliances. TJSA’s #StopTheShock campaign, now gaining traction on social media, has mobilized citizens, businesses, and activists to demand accountability. “This lethal illicit trade must end,” tweeted X user@ZAactivist, echoing TJSA’s plea.
As of Wednesday, no major recalls or arrests have been reported, but pressure is mounting. Electrical contractors and unions have joined the chorus, warning of potential lawsuits if injuries or fires occur. For now, South Africans wait anxiously, hoping the NRCS and dtic will act swiftly to dismantle this dangerous market—and prevent the next deadly shock.
