Parts of Centurion still without electricity following Brakfontein Substation explosion
The explosions were heard on April 3 just before 20:00.
Large parts of Centurion are still without electricity on April 8 following an explosion at the Brakfontein Substation that occurred last week.
The explosions were heard on April 3 just before 20:00.
MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo announced on April 8 that progress at the substation is going well.
He said the metro’s technicians are now focused on installing control and protection cables.
“This is a critical step in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the substation.”
Boshielo said pressure testing of cables and transformers is currently underway to verify their integrity and performance.
He explained that these tests are essential in identifying any potential issues and ensuring the equipment can withstand the electrical stresses it will be subjected to.
The technicians said that about 65% of the work at the substation is complete and the estimated time of restoration is planned to be shared today.
This comes after dry ice cleaning to remove carbon deposits on the 11kV breakers had been successfully completed.
Preliminary investigations by the Tshwane metro’s engineers have revealed that the root cause of the fire was theft and vandalism of control cables at the substation.
The damage at the Brakfontein substation that has left many areas in Centurion without electricity for days. I came to check on the progress to repair and restore electricity. pic.twitter.com/BxbaWp7E1E
— Prime Minister of RSA (@John_Mphatsoe) April 6, 2025
Brakfontein Substation Media Statement on Power Restoration @CityTshwane @kholofeloMorodi @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/Cew7nO4h5w
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) April 6, 2025
He urged communities to remain patient during this process.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your co-operation.”
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the fire had occurred around 19:45, damaging cables and the 11kV feeder panel.
On April 4, he noted that metro technicians worked overnight to restore power in Eldoraigne, Raslouw, and nearby areas.
“The teams will continue with assessments to restore power to areas that are still off.
“Affected customers will be kept abreast of developments,” Mashigo added.
Ward 48 councillor Themba Fosi revealed in a Facebook post that consumers fed by Brakfontein will remain without power until repairs to the substation are completed.
He said due to the extent of the damage, which includes eight panels affected by the fire, residents should anticipate an extended outage that could last several days.
“This is extremely frustrating; however, I would like to thank residents for their continued patience and understanding as teams work through this complex and high-risk restoration process,” Fosi said.
“We have been requesting an investigation into these fires at our substations since last year, but we are yet to receive answers.”
Fosi visited the site on the morning of April 6 to assess progress alongside ward councillors Ina Strijdom, Marika Kruger-Muller, and Cindy Billson.
⚡ Brakfontein Substation Update
🗓️ 6 April 2025 | 🕑 18h30✅ Dry ice cleaning of the 11kV breakers to remove carbon deposits. COMPLETED
🧪 Pressure testing of the equipment is now underway to ensure no insulation weaknesses remain — this is essential before any power can be… pic.twitter.com/WIuuDLjLu8
— Cilliers Brink (@CilliersB) April 6, 2025
Ward 70 Councillor Kruger-Muller recently told Rekord that when a substation fire leads to a widespread power outage in Centurion, it is often due to the substation’s interconnected role in the grid. A fault or failure can cause a cascading effect, tripping multiple circuit breakers and affecting a larger area.
Ward 69 Councillor Billson indicated that based on previous experiences, the restoration work might take longer, with residents potentially without electricity for up to two weeks or more.
She confirmed that areas where power was restored on April 4 continue to have electricity.
ALSO READ: 14-hour long-planned maintenance in north on April 15
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