Amidst the rapid expansion of informal settlements in Johannesburg, City Power is continuing to make remarkable strides in widening access to electricity for all.
As the country observes Human Rights Month, the Johannesburg electricity utility continues to uphold the dignity of all residents, having exceeded the set target for the number of previously unelectrified households connected across the city.
While the South African Constitution does not explicitly list access to electricity as a human right, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) recognizes that a lack of electricity for residents infringes on other fundamental rights, including human dignity, access to adequate housing, water and healthcare.
It is for this reason that City Power, despite limited resources, remains committed to electrifying communities, particularly informal settlements, to ensure greater access to electricity-an essential service for social and economic development.
In the 2023/24 financial year, City Power successfully electrified several informal settlements, including Amarasta in Alexandra, Roodepoort, Slovo Park, Veggieland, Princess Plot, Matholesville and Kliptown. A total of 2 675 households were connected-well above the initial target of 2 500, as reflected in the Auditor General’s report and our annual performance review.
“We are continuing to make headway in electrifying more communities through conventional and alternative energy sources. Our mission to electrify informal settlements underscores our belief that everyone deserves access to safe and reliable energy. The microgrids we are implementing, among other initiatives, not only empower communities and safeguard their human rights but also contribute to a more sustainable and safer Johannesburg,” said City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava.
We are in the final stages of unveiling more electrification projects, tailored to meet the unique needs of underserved areas. Notably, the recently completed Shalazile Microgrid in Denver, Region F, will provide power to 273 households affected by the Usindiso building fire and is set to be launched in thecoming days. Additionally, the Vukani Microgrid in Region E, Alexandra, is under construction and will supply 795 households with solar-generated energy. Work is also progressing on the View and Vlakfontein microgrid projects, which are 70% and 60% complete, respectively.
These residents will have access to electricity before winter this year. These groundbreaking green energy projects form part of City Power’s broader strategy to address the energy needs of the province’s growing informal settlements. Many of these settlements have resorted to illegal connections, which not only pose a danger to residents’ lives but also place enormous strain on the electricity network-leading to frequent outages and equipment failures.
To combat this, microgrids have been introduced as an innovative, sustainable solution that meets the specific energy demands of these communities while reducing pressure on existing infrastructure. The success of Johannesburg’s first microgrid in Amarasta, Alexandra, has paved the way for similar projects across the city and province.
Beyond microgrids, City Power is also finalizing several conventional electrification projects. At George Goch Informal Settlement, 1 390 households are being connected to the grid, while in Jumpas, 1 385 households will have access to electricity before the end of this financial year.
While City Power continues to expand access to electricity, we urge communities to take an active role in protecting the very infrastructure that powers their homes and businesses. Vandalism, theft, and illegal connections not only lead to prolonged outages but also compromise safety and service delivery.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, theft, or vandalism of electrical infrastructure by calling City Power’s hotline at 0800 116 166 or using the City Power WhatsApp reporting line 083 579 4497. By working together, we can ensure that electricity remains accessible, reliable and sustainable for all.
“With over 300 informal settlements in Joburg at our last count, it is extremely difficult to keep up with the demand for reliable and affordable electricity. We strive to ensure that, with the limited budget we receive each year, we bring light to thousands of underserved residents-contributing to social and economic development in our city,” Mashava added.
Issued by City Power’s General Manager, Isaac Mangena.
