Standerton guesthouses accuse Eskom of cutting locals out of accommodation bookings

Standerton guesthouses accuse Eskom of cutting locals out of accommodation bookings

Standerton, Mpumalanga 15 May 2026: The Standerton Guesthouse Association has written to Eskom Holdings alleging that a centralised booking system linked to Tutuka power station is excluding local guesthouses from accommodation opportunities.

Association raises concerns over new allocation system

Association chair Nomgqibelo Mahamotsa told The Citizen the association believes a system is being implemented, or considered, that would centralise accommodation bookings for Eskom employees and contractors through a specific forum or structure.

According to Mahamotsa, the system appears to introduce an intermediary role in the allocation of guests to local accommodation providers, which the association says could exclude legitimate providers and restrict open and competitive access to business opportunities.

Calls for fairness, transparency and legal compliance

Mahamotsa said the guesthouse owners support initiatives for transformation, inclusivity and the development of previously disadvantaged businesses, but warned of possible unintended consequences from the proposed approach.

“These include the exclusion of certain legitimate accommodation providers from fair participation, the restriction of open and competitive access to business opportunities and the introduction of a middleman structure that may impact the sustainability of independent guesthouses.”

She added that any system must align with principles of fairness, transparency and non-discrimination, and comply with applicable legislation, including the Competition Act. The association has called on stakeholders, including Eskom management, to provide clarity on the proposed or implemented system and to ensure equal opportunity for all accommodation providers.

Next steps and previous tensions

The Citizen reported that Eskom had not responded to questions by the time of going to press. The newspaper also saw an email confirming that the Tutuka power station general manager will meet the manager of the concerned guesthouses tomorrow.

Standerton residents have previously accused Tutuka of not empowering locals. Late last year, residents protested, alleging that a contractor at the power station did not offer opportunities to local artisans; the service provider later sought a court interdict against a community leader linked to the protests.

Why Johannesburg readers should care

For Johannesburg readers who follow national energy and local-business stories, the Standerton dispute highlights ongoing tensions around how large state-owned companies award work and accommodation contracts issues that affect small hospitality businesses across the country.

Association warns of legal action if unresolved

The Standerton Guesthouse Association said it reserves the right to pursue appropriate remedies through regulatory and legal channels should its concerns not be adequately addressed.

Notes

This article is based solely on reporting published by The Citizen. Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/standerton-guesthouses-accuse-eskom-of-loss-of-business/