Union Buildings Plunged Into Darkness Ahead of G20 Summit Amid Widespread Tshwane Outage

Tshwane in Darkness: Union Buildings and UNISA Affected by Sudden Power Outage

As the world prepares to turn its eyes on South Africa for the G20 World Leaders Summit, the capital city of Tshwane has been hit by a major power outage, leaving landmarks like the Union Buildings and University of South Africa (UNISA) without electricity.

The blackout has disrupted daily life across several central neighborhoods, including Skinner-Edmond Groenkloof, Muckleneuk, Arcadia, Sunnyside, Berea, and the Pretoria Central business district.

“A team of technicians has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the outage and restore service,” said City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, adding that there is currently no estimated time for restoration.

Residents and workers expressed frustration on social media, with posts highlighting the inconvenience for both commuters and offices preparing for the influx of international delegates this week.

Critical Infrastructure in the Dark

The timing of the blackout is particularly sensitive. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi had previously assured the public that there would be no power or water disruptions during the G20 Summit, which kicks off this weekend.

In Johannesburg, authorities took extensive steps to ensure infrastructure reliability ahead of the summit. City Power upgraded over 30 substations, while streetlights along G20 routes were rehabilitated to ensure visibility and safety for visiting delegations.

Johannesburg Water had also implemented contingency measures, including mobile water tanks and backup sanitation services, to prevent disruptions during the summit.

Why This Matters

The blackout highlights the persistent vulnerability of South Africa’s electricity grid, even in the capital, where key government and academic institutions are located.

“This outage underscores the delicate balance the city must maintain,” said an energy analyst familiar with Tshwane’s grid. “With the G20 summit drawing international attention, even a short disruption can create reputational risks and logistical headaches for both local authorities and visitors.”

Authorities Scramble for Solutions

City officials pledged to keep the public updated as the situation develops. Mashigo urged residents to exercise patience, noting that technicians are working around the clock to identify the cause and restore power.

Meanwhile, social media buzzed with both concern and frustration: commuters shared images of dark streets, while local businesses worried about lost productivity and security risks.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to affected customers,” Mashigo said, emphasizing that resolving the blackout is now a top priority.

As Tshwane works to restore electricity, eyes will be on whether the city can maintain stable power throughout the high-profile G20 summit, which will see leaders from the world’s largest economies descend on South Africa for discussions on trade, climate, and global security.

{Source: The Citizen}

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