Power restoration is underway after a fire broke out at the Olivenhoutbosch substation in Tshwane, South Africa, on Thursday morning. The fire, caused by cable theft, has left several areas without electricity, including Zwartkop, Highveld, and Eco Park.
The City Is Working Hard to Repair the Damage
Technicians are working around the clock to repair the damage, which includes destroyed cabling and switch gear. One transformer is currently operational, but further testing and repairs are needed to restore power fully.
The City of Tshwane’s spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, stated that the restoration process might take several days to complete safely. Residents are advised to monitor official City of Tshwane communication channels for updates.

Affected Areas
The affected areas include Zwartkop, Highveld, Eco Park, Kosmosdal, Blue Valley, Louwlardia, Rua Vista, Thatchfield, and Olievenhoutbosch extensions. The City of Tshwane apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates residents’ patience.
The fire has disrupted the electrical supply across three major areas in the region, with the Rua Vista substation, Noordwes substation, and local supply network serving Olievenhoutbosch also affected.
Emergency services responded to the fire, and technicians are on-site assessing the damage. The City of Tshwane assures residents that regular updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are advised to make contingency plans for food storage and cooking, and treat all electrical infrastructure near the fire scene as unsafe until authorities declare it secure.
The Olivenhoutbosch substation fire is the latest incident to affect power supply in Tshwane, highlighting concerns about cable theft and infrastructure security.
The City of Tshwane is working to restore power in phases, starting with critical infrastructure and essential services. The restoration timeline is uncertain, with further updates to be provided.
The affected communities are urged to remain patient and cautious while repairs are underway. The City of Tshwane apologizes for the disruption and appreciates residents’ cooperation.