WITBANK NEWS reached out to Eskom following concerns raised about the safety of the Vulcan Transmission Station and its surrounding infrastructure.

Reports of combustion caused by mining activities in the area, leading to ground instability and the formation of holes, raised questions about whether the station and its structures remain secure.

Eskom, through the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), has assured that the Vulcan Substation is safe.

The station, built in the early 1970s before environmental legislation required geological and environmental surveys, was not subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes that became law in 1997 and 1998.

“It was not a requirement to conduct the geological and environmental surveys,” Eskom said in their response to whether they conducted a thorough geological and environmental survey of the area before constructing the Vulcan Transmission Station.

Despite the absence of such surveys at the time of construction, Eskom confirmed that recent thermal scanning conducted in May 2025 showed no immediate risk to the Vulcan Substation.

READ MORE HERE: Eskom repairs underway after major infrastructure vandalism

The electricity giant emphasised that the infrastructure remains stable and secure against potential damage or collapse.

Eskom further explained that while the combustion and ground instability outside the substation are concerning, the responsibility for rehabilitating the affected areas lies with the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources (DMPR).

They further confirmed that engagements have already taken place between NTCSA, Thungela Mine, and the DMPR, with the affected land classified as ‘no man’s land’.

More dark days lie ahead for eMalahleni residents as Eskom warns of high electricity consumption that might lead to load reduction in the area
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WITBANK NEWS visited the area and spoke with two residents, who commented on the combustion taking place around them.

“We don’t know how safe we are at this point, as the authorities once promised to move us to a better area back then. It means they know the danger we might be exposed to as we pass this area every day. However, they never came back to us,” said a resident as they stressed over their safety.

In terms of safeguarding the electricity supply, Eskom reiterated that the Vulcan Substation is not in immediate danger.

The company is working closely with the DMPR to ensure rehabilitation of the surrounding area and to maintain the integrity of the transmission infrastructure.

Eskom has assured WITBANK NEWS that the Vulcan Transmission Station remains safe, with no immediate threat to its operations, despite the environmental challenges posed by nearby mining activities.

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