Power and Transport Upgrades – In a major stride toward modernizing infrastructure and boosting economic resilience, South Africa has officially secured a massive R28 billion investment to revamp its power grid and transport networks. This landmark funding package, confirmed by the National Treasury in late July, is poised to address the country’s aging infrastructure, electricity shortfalls, and deteriorating public transport systems. The funding will be rolled out in phases starting August 2025, with targeted upgrades in both urban and rural areas. For years, citizens across provinces have endured crippling power outages, failing trains, and congested roads, which have cost the economy billions in productivity losses. With this new budget injection — sourced through a blend of public-private partnerships, loans from global development banks, and state reserves — the government hopes to stabilize energy supply, accelerate rail improvements, and increase job creation. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: will this R28 billion actually bring visible change in your region, or will it be swallowed by bureaucracy? To help you understand where the money is going, when the upgrades begin, and how it might affect your daily commute or electricity bill, here’s a breakdown of all you need to know.
R28 Billion Power and Transport Upgrades Split – Where the Funds Are Going
The funding is divided across two main sectors — energy infrastructure and transportation. Here’s how the allocation looks on paper.
- R15 billion is earmarked for national and regional electricity upgrades
- R10 billion will be used for rail system rehabilitation and new rolling stock
- R3 billion is reserved for road safety modernization and smart traffic systems
- Primary focus areas include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape
Power and Transport Upgrades Infrastructure – Key Projects and Locations
Multiple provinces have been identified for urgent grid and substation upgrades. These areas will receive early-phase development.
- Gauteng: Substation modernizations in Soweto, Tembisa, and Pretoria North
- KZN: Load balancing and energy storage projects in Durban Metro and Umhlathuze
- Eastern Cape: Grid expansion in Mthatha and East London townships
- Western Cape: Cape Town’s northern grid ring to get capacity upgrades
Transport Power and Transport Upgrades Projects Rolling Out from August 2025
This section focuses on major commuter rail and road projects funded under the new plan.
- PRASA to restore and reopen 12 major train routes by March 2026
- Metrorail trains will receive R5 billion worth of new safety and signaling equipment
- Major roads like N3 and R573 (Moloto Road) will undergo urgent repairs and expansions
- 8 smart traffic systems will be installed in metropolitan cities
Targeted Regions for Early Implementation
Here are some locations where citizens are likely to see changes as early as September.
- Johannesburg CBD: High-speed train testing and station remodeling
- Durban: Electric bus fleet to be piloted under the Green Transport Plan
- Cape Town: Intelligent traffic light systems to reduce congestion
- Nelson Mandela Bay: Road resurfacing and AI-driven traffic monitoring
Impact on Communities – Will the Changes Reach You?
This fund is not just for metros — rural districts and townships are also included in the development blueprint.
- Over 45 local municipalities to receive new transformers and mini substations
- 3,000+ temporary jobs to be created in the construction phase alone
- Women-led construction firms to be prioritized in rural road development
- New transport access points in places like Hammanskraal and Umlazi
Government’s Timeline and Accountability Measures
The Treasury has laid out a strict timeline for implementation, with monthly progress checks.
- Phase 1 (Aug 2025 – Dec 2025): Project launch, supplier contracts, initial workforce hiring
- Phase 2 (Jan 2026 – July 2026): Physical rollout in power grids, start of transport revamps
- Phase 3 (Aug 2026 – 2027): Completion of core infrastructure, start of quality audits
- Independent auditors will assess fund usage every quarter
Realistic Benefits – What South Africans Can Expect
Not every promise may be delivered overnight, but the plan includes tangible citizen benefits.
- Reduced load shedding hours by early 2026 in metros and regional zones
- Safer, more reliable trains with theft-proof copper cabling and signal control
- Rural areas to see lighting and water pumping support from new substations
- Emergency response time to improve in upgraded transport corridors
Risks and Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, experts are flagging several potential hurdles in execution.
- Risk of corruption and misuse in local-level fund distribution
- Delays due to skilled labor shortages in rural zones
- Political interference in contractor selection
- Disputes between national and provincial transport authorities
Citizens’ Role – How You Can Track Progress
The government has urged residents to participate in oversight and reporting through a new portal.
- Use the ‘TrackMyZone’ platform launching on August 15 for live updates
- SMS alerts will notify local communities of nearby project rollouts
- Community meetings to be held monthly in all priority districts
- Anonymous feedback system to report project delays or irregularities
Province-Wise Allocation Summary
| Province | Power Projects (R) | Transport Projects (R) | Start Date | Job Creation Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 4.2 Billion | 3.8 Billion | Aug 2025 | 12,500+ |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 3.6 Billion | 2.4 Billion | Sep 2025 | 9,300+ |
| Western Cape | 2.1 Billion | 1.6 Billion | Sep 2025 | 7,800+ |
| Eastern Cape | 2.4 Billion | 1.3 Billion | Oct 2025 | 6,100+ |
| Limpopo | 1.1 Billion | 360 Million | Oct 2025 | 3,200+ |
| Mpumalanga | 930 Million | 280 Million | Oct 2025 | 2,800+ |
| Free State | 820 Million | 250 Million | Nov 2025 | 2,500+ |
| North West | 750 Million | 240 Million | Nov 2025 | 2,200+ |
Departmental Contacts for Assistance
| Department | Contact Person | Phone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Public Enterprises | Thabo Mokgotsi | 012 431 1000 | thabo.mokgotsi@dpe.gov.za |
| Department of Transport | Lerato Dlamini | 012 309 3000 | lerato.dlamini@dot.gov.za |
| Department of Energy | Simphiwe Ndlovu | 012 406 8000 | simphiwe.ndlovu@energy.gov.za |
| National Treasury – Infrastructure | Boitumelo Maseko | 012 315 5009 | infraunit@treasury.gov.za |
| PRASA Media Desk | Nandipha Hlatshwayo | 011 773 2200 | media@prasa.com |
| Eskom Public Liaison | Kabelo Sebeko | 08600 37566 | customercare@eskom.co.za |
| TrackMyZone Support Line | Ayanda Mhlongo | 0800 123 456 | support@trackmyzone.gov.za |
The R28 billion infrastructure uplift is one of South Africa’s most ambitious state-led investment plans in recent years. While challenges remain, the commitment to transparency, local empowerment, and public involvement makes this a transformation to watch — and participate in.
FAQs of Power and Transport Upgrades
- When will the upgrades start in my area?
Most upgrades begin between August and November 2025, depending on your province. - How can I check if my community is included?
Use the TrackMyZone portal launching August 15 or sign up for SMS alerts. - Will this reduce load shedding immediately?
Load shedding reduction is expected by early to mid-2026, not instantly. - Can small businesses benefit from this project?
Yes, local contractors and women-led firms will be prioritized for tenders. - Who do I contact if I suspect corruption?
You can report anonymously via the TrackMyZone platform or call the Public Protector’s hotline.