A prolonged power outage in Alrode, one of Johannesburg’s key manufacturing hubs, has thrown multiple businesses into crisis, with industry leaders warning that millions of rands have already been lost and no permanent solution is in sight.

The crisis began on September 23, when a fire at the Bosworth Substation in Ekurhuleni left large parts of Alrode without electricity.

Energy expert Professor Valli Padiachi, speaking on 702 Drive with John Perlman, said the incident reflects a disturbing rise in substation failures across South Africa.

Padiachi attributed this to a combination of ageing equipment, poor maintenance, rampant illegal connections, and theft.

“Transformers consist of flammable material and oil – it’s ripe for disaster,” he warned, stressing that ongoing security and maintenance failures are leaving municipalities increasingly vulnerable.

On September 30, concerned businesses met with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) in Alberton to discuss the crisis.

At the meeting, Ekurhuleni MMC for Energy, Mzayifani Ngwenya, said power would be restored by October 3.

Electricity was partially restored a day earlier, on October 2, but the supply remains unstable, with some areas still experiencing intermittent outages.

In the meantime, manufacturers have been forced to cut production to reduce their electricity loads, while many rely on diesel generators at an enormous cost.

Businesses estimate losses in the tens of millions, with ripple effects spreading across suppliers and downstream industries.

A WhatsApp discussion among business owners revealed deep frustration.

One business owner wrote: “This seems like there is no permanent solution from their side. There’s no word on when a permanent fix will come.”

The WhatsApp exchanges also raised safety concerns. Business leaders highlighted the absence of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, or adequately trained security personnel at the Z7 site, warning that the area remains vulnerable to another fire.

According to Ronald Govender, spokesperson for Group 5 Essential Management Services Pty Ltd, based in Mayfield Park, the lack of fire and safety infrastructure at critical municipal sites represents a major risk to both properties and personnel.

Govender stressed the urgent need for Ekurhuleni to implement a long-term, structured safety and maintenance plan to secure the electricity supply and prevent further incidents.

The ongoing power crisis is also straining relations between business owners and labour unions. Some employers have implemented “no work, no pay” measures, further fuelling union anger.

Union leaders argue that workers are being unfairly punished for systemic infrastructure failures, while business owners counter that they cannot pay wages without production.

Analysts warn that if the impasse continues, it could lead to further job losses in a region already under severe economic strain.

For now, the manufacturing hub is limping back into operation, with some companies restarting at 70% capacity to ease pressure on the grid.

Without investment in proper maintenance, upgraded infrastructure, and a transparent timeline for permanent repairs, Alrode’s manufacturers fear they may face ongoing instability – compounding South Africa’s already dire unemployment and economic challenges.