Checked 27 October 2026
Where the facts in this claim come from
Every fact on the claim page, with the sources we used. We save a copy of each source on the day we read it.
What does the evidence show?
What was said
Willie Spies of the FF Plus says Tshwane had to ration electricity (share out a limited supply). He says this was because the Njala infeed substation lost transformer capacity.
Freedom Front Plus. Published 30 September 2026.
Where to look: Byline Willie Spies, 30-09-2026; paragraph 2 (what was claimed: 'When it loses transformer capacity, the Metro has to ration electricity between wards')
Why it is Verified
A substation is a place where power is switched and sent on to areas. A fault at Waltloo tripped (switched off) the Njala infeed substation, and its transformer 1A stayed out of service. So the City took turns giving power to different areas. TimesLIVE and IOL both reported this.
TimesLIVE. Published 1 October 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 3 (explosion at Waltloo substation caused the Njala infeed substation to trip); paragraph 4 (transformer 1A at Njala remains out of service); paragraph 9, or 13 counting the four bullet points ('emergency load rotation to manage the available electricity supply')
IOL. Published 30 September 2026.
Where to look: Paragraph 1 (Njala transformer faulty, three-hour load rotations); paragraph 3 (City's update calls it a fault, not an explosion); paragraph 5 ('The transformer has been found to be faulty'); paragraph 6 (load rotation as an immediate measure)
News24. Published 1 September 2026.
Where to look: Standfirst ('Former MP Willie Spies will run for mayor in Tshwane, following his recent swearing-in as a PR councillor.'); paragraph 1 (Spies named the FF Plus mayoral candidate for the City of Tshwane). Supports his role only.
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