Majority of Frikkie Substation Areas Back Online; Elijah Barayi Still Awaits Restoration
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
On 4 August 2025, Merafong City Local Municipality announced that electricity has been fully reinstated to Welverdiend and Khutsong Extensions 5 and 6 following the successful commissioning of a new transformer at the Frikkie van der Merwe Substation. Yet residents of Elijah Barayi Village remain without power due to deliberate damage to their internal switching infrastructure.
Power Restored to Welverdiend and Khutsong Extensions
Following the delivery, installation, cold and hot commissioning, and integration of the new transformer, the municipality confirms that Ward 12, including Welverdiend and Khutsong Ext 5 & 6, now enjoys stable electricity supply.
This milestone completes the bulk of what was described as a “complex and technically demanding process,” carried out under stringent safety and operational protocols.
Elijah Barayi Remains Offline After Vandalism
Supply to Elijah Barayi Village was held back after criminal elements vandalised the area’s internal switching station.
That infrastructure falls under the management of a third-party contractor, 3I. The municipality is engaging directly with 3I to secure a rapid, sustainable repair solution.
Leadership and Technical Team Acknowledgements
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Nozuko Best, extended gratitude to:
Ward Councillor Thabo Mokuke for his continuous, on-the-ground advocacy;
MMC for Electricity, Water and Gas Cllr Luvo Mganu for decisive leadership throughout the crisis;
Municipal Manager Mr. Mabuza and Executive Director for Energy Mr. Gubevu, along with the Electricity Department’s technical crew, whose dedication and long hours were pivotal to the successful restoration.
Municipality’s Ongoing Commitments
Strengthen critical infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.
Improve turnaround times on emergency repairs and maintenance.
Protect key assets against criminal damage.
Provide regular updates on Elijah Barayi’s reinstatement progress in partnership with all stakeholders.
Parting Thoughts:
At the time of publishing, no further information has been received regarding the repair timeline for Elijah Barayi’s switching station. Residents are encouraged to monitor official Merafong City channels for the next update.
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