Frustration is mounting among residents in the east of Pretoria as they spend the festive season without electricity following a devastating substation fire on Christmas Eve.
The Olivenhoutsbosch substation caught fire on December 24th, plunging several communities into darkness. Affected areas include parts of Centurion and Moreleta Park. While officials have stated that repair teams are working around the clock, persistent heavy downpours have been slowing and frustrating recovery efforts.
These explanations, however, are finding little acceptance within the affected communities. Residents have now been without power for days during what is typically a holiday period, forcing them to discard spoiled food and live without essential services.
“The explanations are not being accepted by community members,” reported a correspondent on the ground. “This community hasn’t had any power since the 24th… This also poses some safety issues with regards to the security systems.”
The blackout has severely disrupted daily life and livelihoods. One resident, a marketing professional who works from home, explained the profound impact on his business. “I rely on my electricity to get onto the internet network… We haven’t been able to do any business whatsoever, and that’s a pain especially in the holiday season.”
He described the situation as “tedious” and “boring,” highlighting secondary concerns like the inability to charge cell phones for communication. Safety has also become a pressing issue after dark. “You have to come out the car and open the gate by yourself manually, which is very risky,” the resident added.
When asked about the municipality’s assurances that work is ongoing, the resident expressed deep skepticism. “No, not getting there. They’re not doing it… I haven’t seen any footage, any news, any communication, any media statements from them. Nothing whatsoever. So, I don’t believe it.”
As repair work continues under challenging weather conditions, the mood in the affected eastern Pretoria communities remains one of impatience and disillusionment, with residents entering the new year facing an ongoing struggle without a clear resolution in sight.
