Parts of Centurion remain without power following Zwartkop substation explosion
According to DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink, the unusually high number of substation fires is extremely suspicious.
Tshwane technicians are currently conducting a full testing process on Transformer 2B, while repairs continue on the severely damaged 1A Transformer.
This follows the fire and explosion at the Zwartkop Substation in Centurion this morning.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the explosion caused a trip on Lyttelton Line 1 at Njala Substation, temporarily affecting power supply to Wingate, Aries, and De Hoewes substations, which have since been re-energised.
This morning we conducted an oversight inspection @ Swartkop Substation which has been affected by fire @CityTshwane @kholofeloMorodi @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/udtlYY20Jd
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) May 20, 2025
Bokaba explained that as part of the testing process, the team will draw out oil samples from Transformer 2B, which will be sent to the laboratory for tests.
“Should the test results reflect a positive outcome, the team will then replace the transformer’s stolen single-core and multicore cables and subsequently test the full protection scheme,” he said.
Power remains off in the following areas:
– Clubview
– Valhalla
– Military Base (Thaba Tshwane)
– Zwartkop Airbase.
He said technicians will continue to work around the clock to ensure the power supply is restored to the affected areas.
“The estimated time for restoration will be communicated once the bulk of the repair work has been completed,” said Bokaba.
He said the city apologises to the affected residents for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen occurrence. Consumers will be kept abreast of the developments.
DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink said Tshwane must confirm how many of the city’s substations have surge and fire protection.
“No substation is meant to burn down due to voltage surges, whether caused by lightning or cables being hacked off. A surge protection system, backed by battery power, shuts down the substation before a fire breaks out,” Brink explained.
He said this not only protects the electricity infrastructure, but also human life.
“If surge protection fails, the second line of defence is fire suppression. This might include sprinkler systems and the like, but it is a more sophisticated safeguard. This is what makes Tshwane’s unusually high number of substation fires extremely suspicious.”
In addition to the fire at the substation, two other power outages also occurred in Pretoria last night. A power cable in Doringkloof was cut, and a mini-substation in Pretorius Avenue was vandalised, according to FF Plus councillor Lenor Janse van Rensburg.
Van Rensburg said the FF Plus has repeatedly requested that the metro not only maintain substations, but also to ensure that they are properly secured. The requests have fallen on deaf ears.
The party will keep residents informed of the progress of repairs.
Also Read: Police investigate murder of Mamelodi spaza shop owner
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
