The Tshwane Metro has confirmed that it has not abandoned plans to restore electricity infrastructure at Rietvlei Nature Reserve despite speculation that stolen cables would not be replaced.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro remains committed to replacing the stolen medium-voltage cable and the vandalised mini-substation, with the work prioritised during the current 2026/27 financial year because of its impact on the reserve.

According to Mashigo, four cable thefts were recorded at the reserve over the past 12 months. The thefts occurred on December 20, 2025, as well as January 16, February 16, and March 10 this year.

He also said that the metro has already spent about R124 000 repairing infrastructure damage caused by these thefts.

However, this figure excludes the replacement of the stolen medium-voltage cable and vandalised mini-substation, which is expected to cost about R1.7-million.

Mashigo stated that previous electrical faults at the reserve have been repaired, with the exception of the damaged medium-voltage cable and mini-substation, which remain outstanding.

He said repeated thefts have had a direct impact on operations at the reserve, affecting the borehole water pumps and disrupting the electricity supply to the restaurant.
However, Mashigo explained that overhead conductors cannot be installed inside the reserve because they pose a danger to wildlife.

“To reduce future incidents, the city is replacing the underground medium-voltage cable along Delmas Road with overhead conductors. Construction on this project is currently underway.”
He said within the reserve, the stolen medium-voltage cable and vandalised mini-substation will be replaced with the same type of infrastructure, due to wildlife safety risks associated with overhead conductors.

He added that additional security measures would be implemented, although details could not be made public.

Ward 91 Councillor Henning Viljoen welcomed the metro’s confirmation that the damaged infrastructure will be replaced.

He said he had previously been informed that some cables might not be replaced, prompting him to seek clarity.

“It is good news that the city has confirmed the cables inside the reserve will be replaced,” he said.

Viljoen said cable theft remains a major concern, affecting both electricity and water supply systems.

He explained that while efforts have been made to secure infrastructure, such as putting security systems in place, criminals continue to exploit unprotected areas.

Viljoen added that theft of medium-voltage cables has a ripple effect, as these lines supply low-voltage networks that power boreholes within the reserve, further threatening essential services in the area.

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