Pretoria Blackout – As power challenges continue to affect South Africa, a major blackout has been officially scheduled in Pretoria for 13 July 2025. The government and Tshwane municipal authorities have confirmed that several key transformers across the city will be shut down simultaneously for emergency maintenance and load redistribution. This planned blackout is expected to plunge vast areas of the capital into darkness for several hours, disrupting daily life, essential services, and business operations. Residents have expressed outrage and concern over the timing and scale of the outage, especially as South Africa continues to battle frequent power cuts due to load-shedding and infrastructure issues. According to Eskom and the Department of Energy, the blackout is a “preventive measure” aimed at avoiding larger grid failure, but many Pretoria citizens are already bracing for the impact. With more than a dozen substations involved, the blackout will affect everything from hospitals to traffic systems. Below is a full breakdown of the scheduled outage, including all affected suburbs, timings, and advice for residents.
Full Schedule of the Planned Pretoria Blackout
The blackout will begin early on Saturday, 13 July 2025, and continue through most of the day. Authorities urge residents to plan accordingly and complete all critical errands beforehand.
- Date of Blackout: 13 July 2025 (Saturday)
- Start Time: 6:00 AM
- Estimated End Time: 8:00 PM
- Duration: 14 hours
- Reason: Emergency maintenance on major power transformers
- Impact: Residential, commercial, and municipal areas
Areas Confirmed to Be Affected by the Pretoria Blackout
The list includes major suburbs, townships, and residential zones. The following areas will experience complete power loss during the scheduled timeframe.
| Affected Area | Region | Key Landmarks Affected | Zone Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia | Central Pretoria | Union Buildings, Embassies | Government/Residential |
| Mamelodi | East Pretoria | Mamelodi Day Hospital, Schools | Township |
| Hatfield | Central Pretoria | University of Pretoria | Student/Residential |
| Sunnyside | Central Pretoria | Apartment Blocks, Shopping Areas | Residential |
| Menlyn | East Pretoria | Menlyn Mall, Business Offices | Commercial |
| Atteridgeville | West Pretoria | Local Clinics, Schools | Township |
| Centurion | South Pretoria | Highveld, Lyttelton, Irene | Mixed |
| Pretoria North | North Pretoria | Railway Station, Community Halls | Residential |
Pretoria Blackout – Transformer Substations Undergoing Maintenance
The blackout is linked to urgent repairs and upgrades to key substations that power entire city blocks.
- Kwaggasrand Substation – Transformer replacement
- Wapadrand Substation – Cooling system failure
- Rosslyn Substation – Switchgear fault
- Mooikloof Substation – Overload prevention
- Menlyn Substation – Cable replacement
- Faerie Glen Substation – Circuit maintenance
Emergency Services & Institutions to Be Affected by Pretoria Blackout
Several hospitals, clinics, police stations, and public services will operate with limited power through backup generators.
- Tshwane District Hospital – Running on backup diesel generator
- SAPS Sunnyside Station – Limited computer system access
- Emergency Call Centers – Will experience slight delays
- Fire Departments – Fully operational via backup power
- Water Pumps – Possible disruption in high-rise areas
How Residents Can Prepare in Advance
To reduce inconvenience and safety risks, residents are urged to follow these basic guidelines before and during the blackout:
- Charge mobile devices, laptops, and power banks in advance
- Keep battery-powered lights and candles ready
- Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers frequently
- Fill buckets or containers with water
- Avoid unnecessary travel due to non-functioning traffic lights
- Secure valuables and activate home alarms
Impact on Businesses and Shops
Retail outlets, malls, and office spaces will face significant interruptions unless they have independent generators.
- Small retail stores will shut down for the day
- Large malls may partially operate with diesel generators
- Internet service providers may face intermittent disruptions
- Restaurants may close or offer limited menus
Transport and Traffic Concerns During the Outage
Public transport and traffic systems will be deeply affected due to non-functional signals and limited fuel supply.
- Minibus taxis may operate at reduced capacity
- MetroRail services may be delayed or canceled
- Traffic lights will be out of service in many intersections
- Increased traffic jams and accident risk in peak hours
Key Tips for a Safe Blackout Day
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep Flashlights Handy | To avoid fire hazards caused by candles |
| Disconnect Electronics | Protect devices from power surge on return |
| Check on Elderly Neighbors | Ensure they have lighting and support |
| Stock Non-Perishables | Avoid cooking during power outages |
| Use Gas or Braai Cooking | Prevent reliance on electric stoves |
| Avoid ATM Withdrawals | ATMs may be offline or unresponsive |
| Keep Cash Available | Card machines may not function |
Future Scheduled Outages in Pretoria
Eskom has warned of additional maintenance blackouts in other parts of Pretoria later in July and August. A tentative schedule has been issued but may change based on load capacity and weather.
| Future Outage Date | Area | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 21 July 2025 | Laudium, Lotus Gardens | 10 hours |
| 3 August 2025 | Silverton, Equestria | 8 hours |
| 17 August 2025 | Garsfontein, Erasmuskloof | 12 hours |
What the Authorities Are Saying
Government officials maintain that these shutdowns are essential and temporary. However, public frustration is growing.
- “We understand the inconvenience, but this is necessary to prevent a major blackout,” said Eskom’s spokesperson.
- “Backup generators are in place for hospitals and police stations,” confirmed City of Tshwane mayor’s office.
- “We urge citizens not to panic and to follow all safety protocols,” said the Department of Energy.
As Pretoria prepares for one of the largest planned blackouts of 2025, residents are advised to take all necessary precautions. The government insists the measures are necessary for long-term power reliability, but for many citizens, 13 July will be a challenging day in an already difficult energy crisis.
FAQs – Pretoria 13 July Blackout
Q1: How long will the blackout last in Pretoria?
A: It is scheduled to last from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on 13 July 2025 (14 hours).
Q2: Which suburbs are confirmed to be affected?
A: Areas include Arcadia, Mamelodi, Centurion, Menlyn, Hatfield, and more.
Q3: Will hospitals and police stations shut down?
A: No. Critical services will operate on backup power.
Q4: Can I travel on blackout day?
A: Travel is not advised due to traffic signal failures and public transport disruptions.
Q5: Is this part of load-shedding?
A: No. It is a planned blackout for maintenance, not due to load-shedding.
Q6: Will I be compensated for any damage or losses?
A: The government has not announced any compensation at this time.