Transformer failures leave Orange Farm residents in the dark for years
While most South Africans celebrate over 150 days without load shedding, many residents of Orange Farm continue to endure power outages, some lasting years. “Load Reduction,” a five-hour power cut, is a regular occurrence in Orange Farm happening every second or third day, while several areas have been without electricity for years due to broken transformers.
For residents of Mshado and Sano Streets in Extension 1, their struggle has been ongoing since August 15, 2021, when transformer KJU27/1 failed. Despite making the required R500 payments to Eskom, they have yet to see any action.
Eskom’s Gauteng Spokesperson, Victor Ramagaga, confirmed the transformer issue and explained the delay: “Eskom can confirm that the transformer in question is indeed due for replacement. However, Eskom follows a stringent process for replacing network equipment, requiring the community to meet a 60% threshold payment for tamper fines. The community only met this requirement late in 2023,” Ramagaga told Orange Farm News.
Ramagaga elaborated on the technical challenges, stating, “Given the high number of failed transformers across Gauteng, especially in Orange Farm, and the extensive technical work needed, it is unfortunately not a quick process. Eskom must ensure network safety, replace damaged cables and faulty meters, and install split meters. Before this work can begin, materials need to be sourced, which is challenging due to the scale of the problem and limited technical teams.”
While the community waits, Ramagaga was unable to provide a definitive timeline but assured residents that the transformer replacement is on the list, with only two others ahead in line. “As soon as there are clear indications of the timelines, I will immediately intimate them to you,” he added.
In November last year, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi launched the ‘SiyaTransformer’ program to address transformer failures across the province. Speaking at the Orange Farm Multipurpose Centre, Lesufi committed to replacing 137 transformers in the area by December. However, according to Premier’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, progress has been slower than expected. “Work is ongoing. Orange Farm is one of the focus areas. So far, 28 transformers have been installed, and 3 more will be installed soon,” Mhaga said.
On Facebook, Orange Farm News asked residents to share their experiences with transformer failures. Responses were overwhelming:
Tlwano Like: “5 years now”
Richard Kelepa: “4 years in Ext 3”
David Luciano Hilario: “3 years now at Drieziek 5”
Shabela Hlahane: “We’re going for 1 year now without electricity at Ext 4. Few houses have managed to pay that R500 but it’s not enough, we’re just waiting.”
The frustration of residents is palpable. One user, Augustine Ntshela, shared a possible solution: “The first step is to go to Eskom, agree to pay those R500, open a WhatsApp group, and have everyone pay. Once done, have a group of five to go to Eskom as you need to submit your meter numbers, etc. Then do follow-ups every day—it took us about six months, but we were sorted.”
However, many remain in limbo. Busisiwe Mbana has been without electricity for five years, while Teboho Trevor Thipe commented: “6 years and counting.”
The issue has not only impacted daily living but also businesses. Nokubonga Phungula from Extension 9 Phase 3 shared: “It’s been four years now, and it’s been a struggle—some businesses had to close down because of this.”
For others, the journey has been equally heartbreaking. Tshego Lebogo expressed the hardships: “It’s been 1 year 9 months. Lost 3 remote job opportunities due to not being able to install fiber connection. Life is expensive, food is expensive…children can’t even study when it’s quieter at night.”
As residents continue to push for answers and solutions, the delays have left many feeling hopeless. “All hope is gone nge-Orange Farm,” commented Rebaone Nkumane, who has been without electricity for four years.
The battle for power in Orange Farm is far from over. With Eskom citing technical challenges and a shortage of resources, and the government promising ongoing work, residents remain in a state of uncertainty, waiting for the lights to finally turn back on.
