Residents of Lawley were plunged into darkness on Sunday, 16 November, after heavy rains swept through Gauteng and triggered widespread power outages.
The downpour followed a Yellow Level 9 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which cautioned that severe storms, localised flooding and potential infrastructure damage were expected to continue throughout the week.
According to residents, the electricity cut off moments after the storm intensified on Sunday morning.
“The power went out the moment the heavy rain started. One minute we still had lights, the next everything just shut down,” said resident Tebogo Mokoena.
The blackout has left many households struggling to stay warm and maintain daily routines. Some community members say the outage has only added to the difficulties they already face.
“We’ve been in the dark for more than a day now. Our phones are dead, there’s no way to cook, and the roads are muddy,” said Maria Khumalo of Lawley Extension 2.
City Power confirmed receiving multiple reports of weather-related outages across Johannesburg’s South areas, including Lawley and Lenasia South. Technicians were dispatched, but restoration is being slowed by persistent rain and hazardous conditions.
SAWS has urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads, and prepare for further disruptions as the Level 9 warning remains in place for the rest of the week.
Image: City Power
