​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 led the switch on of transformers in Snake Park, block 4 and 5 in Soweto. The residents had been without electricity for more than a year. The prolonged power outage, which plagued both communities, became a thing of the past on Wednesday evening, prompting widespread relief among residents. 
This followed the successful replacement of electricity transformers in the area, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of the provincial government and the power utility, Eskom under the Transformer Replacement Programme launched in October 2024.
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. 
"I am deeply hurt that our people have to go without electricity for this long, but I am also excited our interventions are yielding results; I am happy when our people are happy", said Lesufi.
He also took the opportunity to reassure residents that the transformers that have been installed can handle the heavy load as the area has a lot of backyard shacks and rooms for rental.
Pensioner, 76-year-old Busisiwe Radebe 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 Radebe. 
As Soweto saw the light, this transformative initiative also brought power and renewed hope to communities in Sedibeng and Ivory Park where the provincial government installed 6 transformers respectively.
Premier Lesufi was accompanied by MEC for the Department of e-government, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mzikayifani (Mzi) Khumalo and Joburg MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Loyiso Masuku.