Long-awaited Monavoni Substation almost ready to power up

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24-11-2025
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Pretoria Rekord
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With major construction milestones reached and commissioning on track for 2026, the project promises stronger supply, reduced load on Brakfontein, and a surge in development along the R55 corridor.

After more than two years of construction, the Monavoni Substation is nearing completion, promising a major boost to electricity reliability in Centurion.

Work on the project, which began in April 2023, has progressed steadily, bringing the long-awaited facility closer to operation and offering hope to residents who have endured frequent power cuts and overloaded infrastructure.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo provided an updated progress report, highlighting that the project has advanced well beyond the halfway mark reported in July.

“Substantial milestones have already been achieved. The bulk earthworks and high-voltage yard equipment foundations are complete, forming the backbone of the substation’s electrical infrastructure,” said Mashigo.

He added that construction of the main substation building and guardhouse is now 95% complete, and the custom-made concrete perimeter wall has been fully installed, ensuring both safety and compliance with regulations.

Significant progress has also been made on the installation and commissioning of critical equipment.

“The high-voltage yard components are 95% complete, and two 40 MVA transformers have been delivered and are currently being installed,” stated Mashigo.

He further noted that electrical works inside the substation building are 97% complete, with lighting, glazing, and temporary energising of control batteries already in place, marking a smooth transition toward commissioning.

Financially, the project remains on track. Mashigo confirmed that R51.93-million has been invested to date, with R14.9-million spent in 2023/24, R30.99-million in 2024/25, and R6.42-million allocated for 2025/26.

“There have been no delays, and the project is within budget. I can also confirm that the contractual completion date for the project is set for March 31, 2026.”

Once operational, the Monavoni Substation will have a capacity of 40 MVA, strengthening electricity reliability for thousands of households and businesses in Monavoni, Heuweloord, Stone Ridge, and the Mall@R55 area.

Mashigo explained that the new facility will also relieve pressure on the Brakfontein Substation by redistributing loads, greatly reducing the risk of localised outages.

“Beyond improving electricity supply, the project is expected to drive socio-economic growth.

“The enhanced network will support new housing developments, business parks, retail centres, and public amenities along the R55 growth corridor.

“[This will], boost investor confidence and attract further private-sector development, particularly in Peach Tree and Copperleaf,” he said.

Mashigo emphasised that the project aligns with the city’s long-term electric master plan, strengthening grid resilience and providing capacity for future expansion.

He also noted that the project prioritises local economic development, with a focus on small and medium enterprises’ participation, skills transfer, job creation, and community upliftment throughout the construction phases.

This update builds on the progress reported in July, when Mashigo confirmed that the substation was almost half complete.

At that time, the bulk earthworks, high-voltage foundations, substation building, guardhouse, and concrete perimeter wall had already been initiated, and half of the high-voltage equipment had been installed.

Chairperson of the oversight committee on utilities, Councillor Flora Monama, visited the site on July 4 to assess the progress made so far.

During her inspection, she said the project was critical in responding to development pressure in the area.

“The purpose of this substation is to accommodate the capacity needs of the developing Monavoni area,” said Monama.

“Construction started in April 2023, and with the progress we have seen, we are hopeful that the project will be completed by March next year.”

She complimented the team working on the project for their dedication and efficiency.

At the time, residents in the surrounding areas also expressed optimism about how the substation would improve their quality of life and service delivery.

Thabang Shabangu, a resident of Heuweloord, said he was encouraged by the project’s progress and hopes it will bring long-awaited relief from ongoing electricity issues.

“We experience constant blackouts, and it is incredibly frustrating. It interrupts work, affects small businesses, and makes basic tasks like storing food difficult,” said Shabangu.

“I hope the Monavoni Substation will help solve the power outages we constantly face here in Heuweloord.”

He added that residents have struggled for years, and this project gives them hope that things might finally improve.

“Many residents in Heuweloord rely on stable electricity to run home-based businesses. Some of us run businesses from home, and without power, there is no income. This project is essential for us to move forward.”