Power Restored in Tshwane After Major Blackout Hits CBD and Union Buildings Ahead of G20 Summit
Pretoria – Relief has swept through parts of Tshwane as electricity supply returned following a widespread blackout that left large sections of the central business district (CBD) and key landmarks in the dark. The outage, which struck on Wednesday morning, affected critical spots like the Union Buildings and raised alarms just days before South Africa hosts the high-profile G20 Leaders’ Summit. City officials moved fast to fix the problem, but questions linger about possible foul play amid heightened preparations for the global event.
The sudden loss of power disrupted daily life for residents, businesses, and institutions across Pretoria. While the exact cause remains under probe, the quick response from technicians highlights the city’s push to keep services running smoothly during this busy time.
Widespread Blackout Disrupts Key Areas
The power cut hit hard in several neighbourhoods, plunging them into darkness without warning. Affected spots included Groenkloof, Muckleneuk, Arcadia, Sunnyside, Berea, the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Union Buildings, and parts of Pretoria Central. Traffic lights failed in many places, causing chaos on the roads, while offices and homes scrambled to cope.
City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the scale of the issue, saying a team of technicians was sent out right away to check what went wrong. “A team of technicians has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the outage with a view to restoring this essential service,” Mashigo explained. At first, no clear timeline was given for when lights would come back on, leaving people worried about longer delays.
This kind of blackout is not new to Tshwane, where past storms and technical glitches have caused similar headaches. Just weeks ago, heavy rains led to prolonged cuts in other parts of the metro, forcing round-the-clock repairs. But this one stood out because of its timing, right as the world turns its eyes to South Africa.
Swift Restoration Efforts Bring Relief
Power came back online fairly quickly, easing the strain on those hit by the outage. By mid-morning, electricity flowed again to most affected areas, including the Union Buildings and Pretoria CBD. The City of Tshwane shared updates, assuring everyone that teams worked non-stop to get things fixed.
In a show of readiness, the city had already ramped up its operations in the lead-up to the summit.
Backup plans include battery systems, 24-hour security at key sites, and standby water tankers. Emergency generators stand ready at places like OR Tambo International Airport, the International Convention Centre (ICC), and major hotels. Eskom, working with other departments, keeps a close watch to avoid any repeats.
These steps stem from a promise made last week by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who said there would be no water or electricity shortages during the event. Johannesburg Water also confirmed steady supply from Rand Water, backing up the province’s claim of being fully prepared.
Lesufi Points to ‘Dark Forces’ in Sabotage Claims
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi did not hold back, blaming the blackout on possible sabotage by unseen enemies. Speaking at a briefing, he warned of “dark forces that try extremely hard” to derail the country’s big moments. “Unfortunately, there are those dark forces that try extremely hard – when the country is assigned a task – to pull the country backwards,” Lesufi said.
He linked the outage to a pattern of odd events, adding: “We have seen certain incidents that cannot be explained: power outages at strategic moments and at strategic institutions.” Lesufi stressed the province’s strength in bouncing back: “Every time they strike, we repair. Every time they think they can disrupt, we restore. This is the capability, the resources and the skills we have amassed to ensure that the event goes ahead undisturbed.”
His words come amid growing talk of threats to national events, though no hard proof of sabotage has surfaced yet. Authorities say they are on high alert, ready to handle any trouble.
G20 Preparations Amid Rising Challenges
The blackout throws a spotlight on South Africa’s role as host of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, set for 18 to 19 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Leaders from the world’s top economies will gather to talk trade, climate change, and security, putting the spotlight on the country’s ability to deliver a smooth event.
Planning has been intense, with local, provincial, and national teams meeting weekly for months. A special briefing on Wednesday, led by acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and others, focused on safety and crime prevention. Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola were there, outlining steps to keep guests safe and welcome.
Lesufi remains upbeat: “I can confirm from the planning, the budgeting and the sessions you have held that there is only one objective: to ensure that all South Africans are not only protected, but that those arriving in our country can feel our comfort and hospitality.” The goal is to show South Africa’s best side, proving it can rise above challenges like power glitches.
What This Means for Tshwane and Beyond
For everyday people in Tshwane, the quick fix brings comfort, but it also sparks calls for better upkeep of the power grid. Businesses in the CBD lost hours of work, and students at UNISA faced disruptions. Broader worries about energy stability persist, especially with past blackouts tied to ageing equipment or bad weather.
As the G20 draws near, this event tests the city’s grit. If handled well, it could boost confidence in South Africa’s hosting skills. But any more hiccups might fuel doubts. For now, with power back on, focus shifts to welcoming the world and tackling the big issues on the agenda.
The City of Tshwane has apologised for the hassle and promised ongoing updates. Residents are urged to report any lingering issues through official channels.
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