If you reside in Centurion, Lynnwood, or Garsfontein, the ongoing power outages are a familiar challenge. For the past three days, Pretoria has been experiencing significant power disruptions, impacting daily life. Tshwane officials cite old cables and broken substations as the cause. These outages represent a considerable challenge for families and businesses, prompting calls for immediate answers.
Persistent Power Outages Across Pretoria
Since July 10, 2026, many areas in Pretoria, Gauteng, have faced intermittent power supply. From Centurion to Lynnwood and Garsfontein, power has been inconsistent, often disappearing for hours or flickering. The widespread frustration among residents is palpable, with many expressing their concerns on social media.
Tshwane's Energy Department officials have confirmed that the current situation is due to both cable faults and equipment failures at several substations. They state that repair teams are working continuously to restore power. While efforts are underway, the exact number of affected homes has not been disclosed, indicating a broad impact across communities.
The Economic Impact of Pretoria Power Outages
These power cuts are more than an inconvenience; they have significant economic consequences. Traffic lights at major intersections, such as those on Atterbury Road, become non-operational, leading to congestion and safety concerns during peak hours. Food spoilage at home and disruptions to remote work or study are common issues. Despite the current Eskom load shedding stage potentially being low, the situation in Pretoria feels far more severe.
Small Businesses Grapple with Losses
Local businesses, which form the economic backbone of the community, are experiencing substantial losses. Ms. Thandi Nkosi, who operates a bakery in Garsfontein, shared her concerns with Pretoria Times: "We rely on electricity for our ovens and refrigeration. Every hour without power means lost production and wasted ingredients." She emphasised that these disruptions threaten her livelihood. Similarly, Mr. Sipho Dlamini, who owns a car wash in Centurion, has observed a decline in customers. "People do not want to come if we cannot guarantee service. We have lost at least 30% of our usual business in the last three days." This directly impacts his income and ability to support his family. The city is tightening its belt, which means less support for these small businesses.
Residents Demand Action on Infrastructure
Residents are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction. A primary complaint revolves around Tshwane's communication, which many describe as inadequate. Social media platforms are active with residents sharing information and expressing anger due to perceived difficulties in obtaining clear answers from the municipality. Mr. Johan van der Merwe, a Lynnwood resident, stated, "We need to know what is happening and when we can expect power back. The uncertainty is incredibly disruptive."
Community leaders are advocating for more than just temporary fixes. Ms. Lerato Mokoena, chairperson of the Garsfontein Community Forum, declared, "This is not a new problem. We need investment in upgrading our ageing infrastructure, not just reactive repairs. Tshwane must provide a long-term plan." There is a strong call for proactive development rather than continuous repair. Working together for a better Pretoria requires honest communication and real investment.
Tshwane's Commitments and Future Outlook
Tshwane officials have acknowledged the public's concerns and the challenges caused by the outages. They have promised a detailed update soon, which will include information on restoration progress and proposed "long-term preventative measures." This update is expected to cover maintenance schedules and plans for investment in the electricity grid. The community hopes these promises translate into tangible improvements.
As of July 13, 2026, repair crews continue their work, but power supply remains unstable in many areas. This ongoing struggle highlights broader issues concerning service delivery and infrastructure in Gauteng. Sustained efforts, rather than quick fixes, are essential to ensure the city's operational continuity. While the Gautrain operates efficiently, many homes remain without consistent power.
