Ward 81 residents are planning to raise funds to improve security at electricity substations, following a series of vandalism and theft incidents that have disrupted power supply in the area.

Ward 81 leaders Theo Lengwati, Ylla Sentzikus, Henri Otou, and Agent Kesh, at the recent meeting, announced plans to secure substations, starting with those on Kernick and Lyndhurst roads in Lyndhurst. The initiative will see residents contribute financially towards the installation of palisade and security fencing, with project costs and donation details expected to be shared once a costing exercise has been completed. The ward leadership said protecting electricity infrastructure would not only improve the reliability of electricity supply but also contribute to safer neighbourhoods and help protect property values.
City Power welcomed the proposal, provided it follows the entity’s formal approval process. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said communities are encouraged to participate through the utility’s community partnership programme on security of electricity network infrastructure. “The voluntary, non-commercial programme provides a formal framework for communities to adopt and protect specific electricity network assets by funding, installing, and maintaining security measures.”

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He explained that communities wishing to secure substations must first submit an application detailing the infrastructure they want to protect, their proposed security measures, and an operational plan. Once approved, a memorandum of agreement is signed between City Power and the community. Unauthorised installations are not permitted.

According to Mangena, City Power was consulted about the Ward 81 proposal on June 29, and advised that a formal written submission be sent to allow the relevant departments to assess the plan. He said additional security measures, including palisade fencing, could play an important role in reducing vandalism and theft. “City Power has seen positive results in areas where communities have implemented security interventions.”

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He pointed to Lombardy East, also in Ward 81, where surveillance cameras and restricted access points have significantly reduced incidents of vandalism affecting electricity infrastructure. He added that fencing works best when combined with other measures, such as CCTV, alarm systems, reinforced access points, security patrols, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Mangena said community-supported security initiatives have strengthened protection of electricity infrastructure by improving incident reporting, increasing patrols, and enabling quicker responses to theft and vandalism. He warned, however, that residents should not undertake security upgrades independently, without City Power’s approval, because doing so could create safety risks, interfere with maintenance access, and result in installations that do not meet technical standards.

City Power said it remains committed to working with communities to safeguard electricity infrastructure and improve the reliability of power supply across Johannesburg through formal partnerships.

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