Observer - Firstly I CAN substantiate because I am going through it. Secondly, read my e-mail properly - notice I said "educate yourself" - find out all the facts (don't take my word for it) around ALL of the options and do not just believe what anybody tells you. Some people cannot even afford debt councelling - then what? Just wait until they come and take everything and garnish the only thing you have left to survive! Your salary. Of course this needs to be discussed with a lawyer. Obeserver - people are in serious trouble out there - even wanting to kill themselves - there are solutions and yes this should be the last option but it is a solution none the less that very few people know of. LIKE I SAID - educate yourself about the various solutions and choose what is right for you. Read up on it. Talk to experts. But do not live in denial around your debt. That is all I am saying.....

What is with Eskom these days with all these exhorborant reconneciton fees and bad accounts management. They need to pay attention to the constant errors made on accounts that is costing us the consumer dearly and if we dont pay up they just show no mercy and cut you off. If we all dont pay and you cut us all off... where does your money come from then. As it is electricity is fast becomming less affordable and will result in a lot more cut offs! What then Eskom what then, another income tax percentage increase!? This country makes me sick time to move on and out.!

If things carry on like this, I will take my skills and qualifications and work in a country that will appreciate it more and treat their citizens with more respect and where the overall standard/quality of living is higher. This country is getting ridiculous!

Eskom's subsidy for solar heating is a joke - far too little too late. The "approved" suppliers load their prices. Further their is far too much wastage of power by all councils, lit up buildings etc. Worst of all, why are we supplying neighbouring countries which we the consumer end up suffering for. What a debacle!!

@ DD... you cannot just file for bankcruptcy! That too cost thousands, dont be fooled! and least yet dont give advice to the public you cannot substantiate! Debt review is a possible better option, and will force you to let go of the luxuraies like DSTV and unnecessary contracts. However I do stress that it is different for everyone as to what is unnecessary and what isnt. It might be a better option to negotiate a better deal at a lower cost on certain agreements and endevour to renegotiate at a later date and resume where you left off. If this is not possible, then it is I'm afraid time to let it go and cut your losses. It will be to your benefit in the long term. Sometimes it really really STINGS but you have to put your pride in your pocket instead of having to dig deeper into them.!!

There are no words to describe how poorly this situation is being handled by governmant and eskom. if this carries on, im sure the world cup that everyone is looking forward will be a disaster. No one will have extra cash to go for these games. As south Africans we need to get rid of these corrupt politicians. If President Zuma ever reads this, "please stategize money spending in government better, then we wouldn't have this problem".

The lights are definitely not on way up at the top. President Zuma - stops protecting your cronies and privatise Escom. Then you can have a hot shower instead of a cold shower.

Those small percentage of educated, skilled people that are being milked have already, or are running overseas. I am one of them. Who will pay the taxes then? Sa is already one of the top taxpaying countries worldwide, and the sad truth is that we dont have any services so we are paying for nothing.

Arrest all corrupt officials, break up cartels and price collusion and take back their corrupt earnings. Impose heavy jail sentences on CEOs and managers who are involved in price collusion, and fire and punish all government officials who are corrupt. If these measures are taken, we will save billions, which will bring down inflation and the debt levels of the country and the people down. If this does not happen soon, we South Africans will see our country disintegrate into chaos.

When will the Government realise that they are killing the goose that lays the golden egg. The money earners in this country (black and white) are not a bottomless well to be tapped every time someone fat cat wants a new car or to throw a big party. It is as if Government thinks they are royalty and we are its subjects to be milked in ruin.