City invests in Pinati Estate transformer replacement

01 October 2025

The City’s Energy Directorate has replaced a key transformer in Pinati Estate, Athlone, as part of its ongoing investment in reliable electricity services and infrastructure upgrades across the metro. This forms part of the City’s R4 billion investment in energy infrastructure over the next three years.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, together with Ward Councillor Zahid Badroodien and City officials, visited the site where the upgrade was recently completed.

‘This is one of 12 transformers and mini substations the City has successfully replaced at a cost of over R7,5 million in the Athlone District alone, with two more replacements planned for the current financial year to wrap up the R9 million project. This work underscores the City’s commitment to investing in upgrades and the maintenance of critical grid infrastructure as part of our R4 billion three-year grid investment pipeline, ensuring a safe, sustainable energy future for our communities.

‘This transformer replacement in Pinati Estate was important as the infrastructure was decades old, although still functional thanks to our strict adherence to maintenance protocols. It serves as an example of how the City continues to invest in communities to strengthen our energy grid, provide a more reliable supply to residents and businesses, and ensure that our power infrastructure is future fit.

‘We will continue to prioritise proactive maintenance and investment to extend the lifespan of our electricity infrastructure and safeguard service delivery for residents. By systematically upgrading and reinvesting in our systems each financial year, we are ensuring that communities such as Pinati Estate continue to benefit from a safe and reliable power supply for generations to come,’ said Alderman Limberg.

Protect your Power Campaign to tackle R62 million vandalism, theft crisis

The City spent approximately R62 million on electricity infrastructure vandalism and theft repairs and replacements during the 2024/25 financial year

This is a first of a kind campaign to highlight the massive impact of vandalism, theft, and illegal connections that leave our communities, neighbourhoods, and roadways in the dark. Much of our infrastructure is located within our communities, in some cases, right next to residents’ homes. The City is calling on you to help us Protect Your Power and build safer, brighter communities by reporting any suspicious activity anonymously to City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC).

Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s PECC: 021 480 7700
The SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention.

Caption 1: Alderman Limberg at the Pinati Estate infrastructure site
Caption 3: Alderman Limberg with Ward Councillor Zahid Badroodien

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office