As part of its newly adopted 2025/26 adjustment budget, the Tshwane metro has specifically earmarked R11-million for two substations in Centurion.

This forms part of the R109-million the municipality has allocated to strengthen critical electrical infrastructure across the metro.

The adjustment budget was passed by Council on February 26, with the metro confirming that the National Treasury had formally assessed and validated it as both funded and credible.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance Eugene Modise announced that an additional R109-million would be directed to electricity infrastructure.

Of the allocated funds, R10-million has been designated for the Monavoni 132/11kV substation and R1-million for the Kentron 132/11kV substation in Centurion.

The broader electricity budget includes R11-million for strengthening 11kV cable networks, R6-million for secondary substation upgrades, and R5-million for replacing obsolete equipment.

Additionally, R10-million has been allocated for new electricity connections, and R27-million has been reserved for reducing electricity distribution losses.

According to the municipality, these interventions aim to improve grid resilience, reduce outages, and shorten restoration times.

For Centurion residents, who have endured repeated outages, the announcement has sparked cautious optimism.

Tamryn Naidoo, a Highveld resident, noted that electricity instability has been a persistent issue in her area, with residents often left uncertain about the causes and duration of outages.

“In Highveld, we experience unplanned outages, sometimes multiple times a month, and it disrupts everything, from working remotely to running household appliances,” she said.

Naidoo expressed hope that the allocation to Monavoni and Kentron could address the root of the problem, provided the funds are used effectively and projects are completed without further delays.

She stated that focusing on substations is a step in the right direction since they are critical parts of the distribution network.

“If the substations are strengthened and properly maintained, it will have a ripple effect across the network. But residents have heard promises before. What we need now is visible progress and adherence to deadlines,” she added.

Naidoo also welcomed the broader R109-million allocation across Pretoria, emphasising that a stronger metro-wide grid would ultimately benefit interconnected areas like Centurion.

In Olievenhoutbosch, Mapule Ngobese highlighted the socio-economic consequences of power disruptions in her community.

She explained that outages negatively affect small businesses, food storage, and safety, particularly in high-density areas.

“When the electricity goes off here, it’s not just inconvenient. Small businesses lose income, food goes bad, and families are left in the dark,” Ngobese said.

While she welcomed the metro’s announcement, Ngobese stressed the importance of equitable implementation.

She voiced her concern that infrastructure upgrades should not neglect historically under-resourced communities.

“It is encouraging to hear about this funding, but we need to see that it benefits all communities, including townships like Olievenhoutbosch. The city must communicate clearly about timelines and priorities,” she said.

The R10-million allocation to Monavoni comes against the backdrop of delays in the refurbishment and expansion of the Monavoni 132/11kV substation.

On February 16, MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo confirmed that the project, which began in April 2023 and was initially expected to be completed by the end of March this year, will miss its original deadline due to outstanding work on-site.

Boshielo explained that the appointed contractor has requested an extension to finalise the remaining scope of work, but a revised completion date has not yet been communicated.

He described the project as a key component of the metro’s energy stabilisation plan, aimed at strengthening the electricity network through the construction of a new 40MVA substation and associated infrastructure.

The Monavoni project is about 75% complete, with several major components nearing finalisation.

Meanwhile, the Kentron 132/11kV Substation has been affected in the past by fires that disrupted supply and caused extended outages in surrounding suburbs.

These incidents placed significant strain on the network, heightening concerns about infrastructure vulnerability.

During a site visit in October last year, ActionSA PR councillor Henriette Fröhlich reported that substantial progress had been made on the Kentron substation upgrade.

“The facility was first commissioned in 2022 and was initially expected to be completed in February 2025, but it experienced unexpected delays,” she said.

“We are really pleased to report that significant work has been done,” Fröhlich added.

She explained that once the remaining work is completed, the upgrade is expected to stabilise power supply in Highveld, Eco Park and Zwartkop.

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