Over the last two years, power outages in Ward 55 of the Tshwane Metro, which includes Kirkney, Zandfontein and Boekenhoutkloof, have increased so severely that residents experience disruptions on a daily basis.
In many cases, it takes several days before electricity supply is restored.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has repeatedly reported outages and submitted petitions to the Petitions Committee, highlighting the problem and the urgent need for upgrading and maintaining the KV33 Swartpruit and Iscor substations, the KV132 Gomsand substation as well as the wider network.
In spite of this, the Electricity Department failed to attend two scheduled meetings of the Petitions Committee, including the most recent session on 19 March 2026. Its absence demonstrates blatant disregard for residents and undermines processes meant to ensure accountability.
The residents of Ward 55 are particularly vulnerable. Many households, especially on smallholdings and farms, dependent entirely on electricity for water supply, through boreholes and pressure pumps, security systems such as alarms and electric fencing as well as basic daily operations.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that there is no municipal water supply to the area, which means that electricity is not a convenience, but crucial for survival.
The impact on elderly and medically dependent residents is a major concern. Prolonged power outages endanger the lives of people who depend on oxygen machines.
Local businesses providing employment to residents also suffer serious operational disruptions, ultimately threatening the livelihoods and economic stability of the community.
The Freedom Front Plus sent an official letter to the City Manager, Johann Mettler, demanding a valid excuse for the Electricity Department’s absence and accountability from the relevant officials.
The Freedom Front Plus, furthermore, requested an urgent intervention meeting between Ward 55 representatives and the Fortsig Electricity Department to ensure ongoing feedback to residents.
The Freedom Front Plus expects an immediate response from the highest authority in the Tshwane Metro, and will keep pressing for tangible solutions to be implemented and accountability to be enforced.
