Staff Reporter
City Power has responded to claims of misleading information regarding the upgrades at the John Ware substation, stating that no deception occurred during the project’s relaunch. In a recent media statement, the utility confirmed that although a new governor was not purchased during the first phase of refurbishment, the existing equipment passed technical checks and was safe to use.
Isaac Mangena, General Manager of the Department of Public Relations and Communication at City Power, explained the decision. “The existing governor was retained and utilised during commissioning, as it was found to be in an acceptable operational condition following technical assessment,” he said.
Mangena stressed that the work done at the substation was far more than a basic fibre upgrade. “It was a comprehensive smart grid communication backbone that enhances reliability, security, and future scalability across City Power’s electricity network,” he noted.
The statement also addressed concerns about the scope of the work communicated to the Premier at the relaunch. “At no point was the Premier or any stakeholder misled into believing that a new governor had been installed at John Ware,” Mangena stated. “The project scope and work performed were transparently communicated.”
City Power said the decision to keep the old governor was based on sound engineering judgement and the available budget. Meanwhile, at the Durban Street substation, the governor was in poor condition and was being replaced in the programme’s second phase.
“Our goal has always been restoring functionality without compromising safety or performance standards,” Mangena added.
The substation relaunch was part of City Power’s broader effort to improve energy security and infrastructure reliability across Johannesburg.
