Merafong Infrastructure Upgrade: 10-Hour Shutdown Hits Welverdiend and Khutsong
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Residents and businesses across several key sectors of the Merafong City Local Municipality are facing a scheduled 10-hour power disruption today, January 29, 2026. The outage, which began at 08:00, is part of a high-priority technical intervention at the Frikkie van der Merwe substation.
Technical Scope and Objectives
According to a public notice issued by Municipal Manager Dumisani Mabuza, the primary objective of the shutdown is the commissioning of a new 5 MVA transformer. This installation is a critical component of the municipality’s broader strategy to modernize its aging electricity network. Officials state that the upgrade is designed to increase system capacity and mitigate the frequency of unplanned outages that have historically plagued the Welverdiend area.
Impacted Communities
The shutdown affects a broad geographical footprint, including:
Residential Hubs: The Elijah Barayi mega housing complex, Khutsong Extension 5, and the Welverdiend Extension 6 informal area.
Industrial/General: Electrical Rings 1, 2, and 3 in Khutsong.
Local businesses in Welverdiend have had to adjust operations for the day, as the outage is expected to last until at least 18:00.
Municipal Contact Details
Should your power not return by 18:00 or if you notice any electrical faults (such as sparks or low voltage) after restoration, use the following channels:
Electricity Department (Faults): 018 788 9777
Municipal Call Centre: 018 788 9990
After-Hours General Emergencies: 107
WhatsApp (Water/Utilities): 073 148 3477
Email: info@merafong.gov.za
Safety and Compliance
The municipality has issued a standard safety warning, urging all residents to treat electrical installations as "live" throughout the day. This precaution is necessary as technical teams may complete the commissioning ahead of schedule, leading to a sudden restoration of the grid.
While the interruption poses a temporary challenge to daily life, the local administration has expressed gratitude for the community's patience, framing the move as a "necessary step" toward long-term energy security in the region.
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