​Lerato Mailoane
In a joyous celebration of song and dance, residents of Tladi and Mdeni township in Soweto welcomed power restoration after nearly a year of darkness. 
This followed the successful replacement of electricity transformers, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of the provincial government and Power Utility Eskom under the Transformer Replacement Programme launched in October.
The prolonged power outage, which has plagued both communities, became a thing of the past on Sunday evening, prompting widespread relief among residents. 
Responding promptly to the residents' plight, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi ensured that the newly installed transformers were swiftly switched on.
While Lesufi expressed his regret for the inconvenience caused to residents, he clarified that reconnection issues needed resolution before the transformers could seamlessly integrate into Eskom's power grid. 
Lesufi conveyed his mixed emotions, stating, "I am deeply hurt that our people have to go through the lack of electricity, but I am also excited our interventions are yielding results; I am happy when our people are happy."
The premier also announced an accelerated pace in the Transformer Replacement Programme, acknowledging the severity of the issue. 
"We usually replace three transformers per week, but we will switch on eleven weekly. Currently, 2.5 million people are without electricity due to the lack of transformers," Lesufi emphasised.
Phiri and Jabulani communities in Soweto echoed their collective joy through cheers and songs as the transformers illuminated their neighbourhoods. 
Maki Pule, overwhelmed with emotion, spoke to Gauteng Online about the relief felt by many, especially older people who suffered during the prolonged outage after their transformer was explored in February. 
Maki revealed the struggles of living without electricity, citing the high cost of gas cylinder refills. She expressed her gratitude for the restoration, highlighting the challenges of impoverished households who rely on government grants for survival.
"It's been hard living without electricity as the cost to refill a gas cylinder is very high. In my street, over 40 households have been without power; most of the people living here are impoverished. Many are child-headed households, pensioners and the unemployed, and depend on government grants to survive," explained Maki. 
She shared a heart-breaking personal experience, stating, "I lost my mother this past winter, and I believe the lack of power is largely to blame as her medication needed to be refrigerated. I am just happy that we won't have a dark Christmas."
As Soweto sees the light, this transformative initiative brings power and renewed hope to communities that have endured a long struggle in the shadows.