Residents of the City of uMhlathuze Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal are facing persistent power outages following repeated acts of vandalism targeting critical electricity infrastructure.
The municipality has confirmed that vandals recently damaged two major substations: the Grantham Substation in Empangeni and the Aquila Substation, which supplies the Arboretum area around Richards Bay. These incidents have caused widespread and prolonged blackouts, with some areas without electricity for at least 24 hours.
Mayor Xolani Ngwezi described the attacks as deliberate sabotage rather than random vandalism. He noted that the manner in which the infrastructure was damaged indicates knowledge of how substations operate, including isolating systems to create a safe environment for the perpetrators to work. At one substation alone, losses amounted to R800,000 in damaged equipment, while total recent losses across affected mini substations approached R1.6 million.
The mayor highlighted the broader financial strain on the municipality, stating that over the past three years, losses due to vandalism and security issues for infrastructure and buildings have exceeded R280 million. This has placed significant stress on the city’s coffers, limiting its ability to provide comprehensive security for all assets. While major substations in Richards Bay receive some monitoring, the affected mini substations lack 24-hour physical security or advanced technology.
Ngwezi acknowledged past challenges with electrical supply in Richards Bay when the current administration took office, noting that many main substations had been vandalized or damaged due to lack of maintenance, some even catching fire. However, he confirmed that the municipality has since maintained nearly all major substations in the area, with ongoing work at the remaining western substation supplying Empangeni and surrounding regions. The recent incidents represent a new wave of attacks on previously less-targeted mini substations.
The economic impact is significant in uMhlathuze, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s key industrial hubs after Durban, home to major companies. Disruptions threaten business operations and could lead to job losses if the vandalism continues unchecked.
In response, the municipality is developing plans to collaborate with industry partners, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), and other stakeholders to better protect infrastructure. Ngwezi appealed to residents to report suspicious activity immediately—particularly anyone not wearing municipal uniforms tampering with electrical, water, or other government infrastructure—to the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal authorities, or crime intelligence units.
He emphasized that vandalism persists because there is a market for stolen cables and equipment, urging communities to report potential buyers of such items to help disrupt the cycle.
The municipality has reported the incidents to police and is pursuing insurance claims for the damaged assets, which are insured. Temporary ad hoc solutions have restored some supply, with full refurbishment planned soon. Ngwezi apologized to affected residents in areas such as Arboretum and Empangeni for the disruptions and stressed that insurance coverage should not encourage further attacks.
The mayor also addressed a separate community issue during the discussion, acknowledging reports that Ward 1 in uMhlathuze has been identified as having among the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. He described this as a shame for the city and pledged action, including allocating funding in the upcoming draft budget for awareness campaigns and other strategies.
Ngwezi praised national and provincial leadership for prioritizing GBV and femicide, referencing the President’s declaration of it as a pandemic and calls for harsher laws and accountability. He committed to working with sector departments, promoting a culture of reporting incidents—starting from behind closed doors—and ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law. Community collaboration with government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders will be key to addressing the scourge.