Progress in restoration of power to parts of Centurion
The estimated time for full restoration is expected to be Sunday, April 13, however, some areas may be back on the grid today.
Residents in Centurion, who have been without electricity since April 3, will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief on Sunday, April 13.
MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo recently announced that the metro’s technicians and electricians have been working diligently to restore power to the areas supplied by the Brakfontein Substation, and promising progress has been made.
He provided an update on the completed tasks that are essential to the restoration process.
Brakfontein Substation Restoration Update 9 April 2025 Media Statement @CityTshwane @kholofeloMorodi @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/1GwVk3TW6F
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) April 9, 2025
“Our electricity team has been relentless in addressing the issues caused by the recent outages,” said Boshielo.
“We have successfully completed a series of critical tasks.”
He explained that the team has carried out the following:
– Specialised cleaning using dry ice to remove excessive carbon buildup at the substation,
– Installed ring main units (T4s) to tackle damage to existing feeder cables,
– Dismantled damaged equipment,
– Removed burnt cables, and
– Conducted excavations for new cable replacements.
Boshielo emphasised the phased approach taken to restore power, given the severity of the damage.
“We achieved several significant milestones, including the installation of control cables and protection relays for the first transformer.”
He mentioned that the metro’s teams are currently finalising tests on the transformer, which are crucial for the successful restoration of electricity.
“As restoration efforts continue, workers are nearing completion of the first phase.”
UPDATE: Residents of Region 4, Centurion and surrounding areas. Our EED team remains on site at Brakfontein Substation to restore power. What they’ve done so far is to remove and replace burned panels, cables and to reduce carbon inside the substation. The team is busy with final… pic.twitter.com/mPnFUrLZuZ
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) April 8, 2025
“Ongoing tasks include pressure testing of busbars and feeder cables to assess insulation effectiveness.”
Looking ahead, Boshielo noted that the estimated time for full power restoration is expected by Sunday, April 13.
However, some areas may be back on the grid as early as April 10, depending on the successful testing of equipment and prevailing weather conditions, including potential rain and thunderstorms.
During an on-site visit at the substation on April 9 to assess the progress made, Boshielo assured residents that he understood their frustration during this difficult period.
Brakfontein Substation Oversight Inspection to assess restoration progress made by Electricity team @CityTshwane @kholofeloMorodi @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/6czWfLsrSc
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) April 9, 2025
Brakfontein Substation Oversight Inspection to assess restoration progress made by Electricity team @CityTshwane @kholofeloMorodi @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/6czWfLsrSc
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) April 9, 2025
“The 15 electricians and five technicians have other assistance to help ensure that the substation returns to normal operations in a short timeframe.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” said Boshielo.
However, many residents have faced challenges during this time, unable to conduct daily activities.
In light of this, Fahra Yacob, a business owner in Heuweloord who runs a food shop, has partnered with Angels of Hope, a non-profit organisation, to help provide residents with meals.
Yacob explained that the initiative stemmed from an understanding of the struggles that affected individuals might be experiencing.
She said residents are provided with meals every day between 16:00 and 19:00, and the initiative will continue in the coming days until power is restored.
“Many members of the community support my business whenever they can, so this is a way of giving back to them during this time,” Yacob said.
She emphasised that the meals are provided to all residents in the surrounding areas currently affected by the power outage.
“The meals are prepared and given to residents at our place of residence on 26 Apiesdoring Drive in Heuweloord, directly opposite Junction 3. It is the white house with black gates,” added Yacob.
The founder of Angels of Hope NPO, Fiona Rassool, shared the inspiration behind this community initiative.
She explained that the power outages had created significant challenges for local residents and described how many were experiencing not just practical difficulties but also emotional distress.
“The idea of providing supper and a place to charge their cellphones, laptops, and torches emerged as a way to offer warmth, nourishment, and a sense of solidarity during challenging times.”
Rassool noted that preparing everything was a bit challenging, especially since they were funding the project primarily out of their own pockets.
However, she added that the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with many welcoming the help.
“Residents were grateful not just for the food, but for the compassionate support.”
She mentioned that seeing people’s smiles and receiving heartfelt “Thank you and God Bless you” messages made all their efforts worthwhile.
“For those looking to start similar initiatives, I would advise them to first assess the needs of their community. Collaboration and clear communication are key,” added Rassool.
Lenor Janse van Rensburg, the Freedom Front Plus councillor for Region 4, emphasised the efforts made by the metro’s technicians.
“Technicians are working tirelessly to complete repairs,” she said.
“The expectation is that the power will still be off for at least the next three days.”
She pointed out that FF Plus’ branch chairperson Martie Pretorius had been actively supporting municipal workers.
Van Rensburg noted that Pretorius had provided food for over 80 workers involved in the substation repairs. She had also helped arrange storage for residents’ perishable foods at various locations, including the Dutch Reformed Church in Raslouw.
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