The small town of Welverdiend is in the grip of a worsening humanitarian crisis as residents enter their third week without electricity. A transformer failure that initially prompted repairs in Bronkhorstspruit has now led to prolonged suffering after it failed again upon reconnection.

The transformer, essential to the town’s power supply, was reloaded onto a truck on Friday, July 18, to be sent back for another round of repairs — a process expected to take at least another two weeks.

According to distressed residents, the blackout has already claimed lives. “Seven people, most of them elderly, have died because their oxygen machines and other life-sustaining medical equipment could not operate,” said local volunteer Vallerie Kilian.

Kilian and a small team of residents have been trying to help affected families, providing food to 13 households — but the need continues to grow daily.

“We are running out of food. More families keep coming to ask for help,” she explains. “With schools reopening next week, children need something to eat in the mornings. We especially need non-perishable items because very few people here have fridges or backup power.”

The group is calling on the public, local businesses, and organisations to donate non-perishable food items urgently. This includes dry goods like maize meal, canned foods, long-life milk, pasta, and rice.

Those who are in a position to assist can contact Vallerie Kilian at 072 896 1532.