Severe thunderstorms and flooding wreak havoc across Tshwane, leaving thousands without power and prompting urgent repairs at key substations.
Power Outage in Tshwane: Severe thunderstorms swept across Tshwane this week, triggering widespread chaos, including destructive flooding, substation fires, and crippling power outages that left thousands in the dark. The City of Tshwane has been battling to stabilise the situation, with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) remaining on high alert amid ongoing rainfall and infrastructure threats.
Thunderstorms Spark Fires and Substation Failures
In what marks the second major power failure this month, a fierce cut-off low-pressure system struck the Gauteng region, with the Waltloo Transformer 1B catching fire just after midnight on Wednesday. This incident prompted a domino effect, tripping several critical substations including Rooiwal, Pyramid, Phumulani, Waltloo, and Koedoespoort.
According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, an emergency shutdown had to be implemented in large parts of Pretoria East. This allowed technicians to repair damaged line isolators on the critical 132kV Njala line 1, which the storm had compromised.
“This essential work is needed to manage the risk and to prevent further damage to the infeed station,” said Mashigo.
Restoration Efforts and Delays
City technicians managed to restore supply to Phumulani and Koedoespoort substations, but the Waltloo substation—serving the Ford Motor Company SA main plant, Waltloo Industrial area, and several Silverton extensions—remains offline.
“The repairs are complex and are expected to take at least two more days. Unfortunately, we do not yet have an estimated time of full restoration,” Mashigo added.
Meanwhile, the Pyramid and Rooiwal substations are still undergoing efforts to be energised.
This comes on the heels of another fire earlier in April at the Brakfontein substation, which left large parts of Rooihuiskraal North, The Reeds, Wierdapark and Heuweloord without electricity for over 11 days due to similar storm-related damages.
Flooding and Road Closures Add to Woes
On top of the electricity crisis, a section of Steve Biko Road—between Trevenna and Francis Baard Road—was closed off this week due to a suspected sinkhole. However, Tshwane MMC of Transport Tlangi Mogale clarified it was an erosion hole, not a dolomitic sinkhole.
“The erosion was caused by water ingress, and its full extent is still under investigation,” said Mogale during an on-site inspection.
The full source of the water causing the erosion is yet to be determined, adding another layer of complexity to Tshwane’s infrastructure emergency.
Stay Safe and Alert
Residents are urged to remain cautious, report emergencies, and avoid flood-prone areas. Tshwane EMS continues to monitor weather conditions closely as the South African Weather Service maintains a Level 4 Yellow Warning for thunderstorms across Gauteng.
Also read: Johannesburg Faces Major Water Disruption in May: Areas to Be Without Supply for 2 Weeks
