SABC Struggles to Remain On Air Amid Extended Auckland Park Power Crisis

Extended Outage Disrupts Services

The disruption began with a significant power outage in the Auckland Park area, starting on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Since then, the SABC’s ability to provide seamless broadcasting has been severely tested, with generator power now providing a vital but limited lifeline for its operations. This reliance on backup energy has affected the broadcaster’s ability to offer normal transmission across certain platforms and services.

“The extended use and reliance on this contingency measure has impacted the corporation’s ability to maintain normal transmission operations across certain platforms and services,” the SABC noted in a public statement, highlighting the strain placed on vital systems.

Explosion at Mayfair Substation Deepens the Crisis

The situation grew more severe when City Power, responsible for the area’s electricity infrastructure, experienced a secondary explosion at the Mayfair Substation. According to communications from City Power on 10 November 2026, technicians have not been able to confirm when the supply will be restored. This development has further complicated efforts to resume regular broadcasting and restore power to all affected facilities.

• City Power teams are actively repairing the damaged substation.
• Alternative supply routes are being considered for restoring electricity.
• No confirmed restoration timeline has been given to SABC or residents yet.

SABC’s Response and Ongoing Efforts

The SABC’s technical teams have been conducting emergency operations around the clock in a bid to minimise service interruptions. The broadcaster is coordinating with stakeholders and monitoring the situation closely while implementing measures to keep core services viable. The SABC has issued apologies to audiences and stakeholders, pledging to provide further updates through its official platforms as new information becomes available.

“The corporation is also engaging other relevant stakeholders to monitor developments and implement appropriate mitigating measures.”

Minister Engages to Find Solutions

South Africa’s Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has confirmed his awareness of the crisis affecting SABC’s operations, according to his spokesperson Sheldon Morais. The Minister has been in active contact with the SABC group chief executive officer and is being regularly updated on the situation. He reiterated the SABC’s intent to continue reaching South Africans via television, radio, and online platforms despite the ongoing challenge.

Malatsi’s office confirmed that City Power’s technical teams are working urgently on both repair plans and the exploration of alternative supply routes to bring relief to those impacted. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies remains in ongoing contact with SABC management to ensure a coordinated approach to minimising further disruptions.

Public Impact and Continuing Uncertainty

The outage has highlighted vulnerabilities in Johannesburg’s critical broadcast infrastructure, drawing attention to the vital role continuous power plays in keeping public information channels open. Extended reliance on generators poses numerous operational and logistical challenges, from fuel supply issues to increased risk of technical failures.

It is uncertain how long the SABC will be able to maintain its current broadcasting capabilities if grid power is not restored soon. Audiences are urged to monitor official SABC outlets for ongoing updates, as the broadcaster navigates these difficult circumstances.

The SABC’s Auckland Park headquarters remains on emergency power while technicians from City Power work to restore normal electricity supply following severe infrastructural damage.

Emergency Repairs and the Way Forward

As of now, technical crews continue their repairs on the Mayfair Substation, and the SABC is relying on emergency contingencies. The possibility of rolling service interruptions remains, depending on the pace of repairs and the resilience of backup systems.

This incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of essential infrastructure and public broadcasting, and the efforts undertaken by various teams to secure communications for the nation under challenging conditions.