For years, residents of Mahauzana Flats in River Park, Johannesburg have endured life in the dark, grappling with frequent blackouts and illegal electricity connections in an unproclaimed government housing project. Now, a temporary solution has been reached—but the fight for permanent recognition and reliable services continues.
A Daily Struggle for Power
The Mahauzana Flats, originally intended to provide secure housing, have instead become a battleground for basic services. Technically off the grid and illegally occupied, the buildings remain unproclaimed, leaving City Power without obligation to supply electricity.
“City Power is not obligated to supply electricity to Mahauzana Flats,” a spokesperson stated. “These buildings are owned by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and are illegally occupied. Electrification can only happen once the department formally proclaims the settlement and agrees to cover billing.”
Businesses and Residents Suffer
The unstable power supply has not only affected residents but also nearby businesses in River Park, where shop owners say frequent outages disrupt operations and livelihoods.
One resident shared their relief at the temporary fix: “At first, we were not paying—we took electricity from neighboring houses. But we told them we are willing to pay, just like anyone else. It took a long time, but now they’ve promised to install electricity for us, and we will pay. But because it’s temporary, we need a permanent solution.”
A Temporary Fix, But Questions Remain
The new setup will require residents to manage their own internal wiring and distribution boards, offering short-term relief. However, the larger issue persists: when will the government formally recognize Mahauzana Flats, and who will take full responsibility for service delivery?
For now, City Power’s interventions may reduce blackouts and ease pressure on River Park’s grid. But for Mahauzana’s residents, the fight goes beyond electricity—it’s about being seen and served by the system that has long ignored them.
