The City of Johannesburg has secured a loan of R3.8 billion aimed at addressing its electricity issues. The funds will be used to tackle the backlog in maintenance and major capital works, which is expected to take time to resolve.

The City of Johannesburg has decided to write off approximately R918 million in historical irregular and unauthorized expenditures, which has led to a debate among councillors regarding governance and accountability. Leaders from ActionSA and the DA have raised concerns about financial mismanagement, while the ANC defends the decision as a necessary measure to address past issues.

A 29-year-old businesswoman has been arrested in Mthatha, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, after the Hawks allegedly seized suspected stolen copper cables. According to reports, officers also traced an electrical component believed to have been removed from a municipal mini-substation. The seizure and arrest form part of efforts to combat the theft of municipal infrastructure, which has caused disruptions to electricity supply in affected communities. The suspect is expected to face charges related to possession of suspected stolen property.

Johannesburg has taken out a significant loan to address its electricity issues, as the city's power infrastructure and billing systems require urgent improvements. A survey indicated that only 38% of residents were satisfied with their electricity services in 2023/2024, a sharp decline from 77% in 2017/18. The auditor general reported that the city allocated only 1% of its operating budget for maintenance in 2024/25, well below the recommended 8%.

A businesswoman in South Africa's Eastern Cape has been arrested in connection with a copper cable theft bust, according to The Citizen. Authorities reported that preliminary identification established the recovered material was consistent with electrical infrastructure belonging to a local municipality. The case forms part of ongoing efforts to combat cable theft, a persistent crime that disrupts power supply and damages public infrastructure across the country. Further details about the suspect or possible charges were not immediately available.

South African pharmacy retailer Clicks is switching part of its distribution fleet to electric trucks in a bid to reduce operating costs. According to TimesLIVE, the move to electric vehicles is expected to cut the company's fuel costs by up to R25 million a year. The shift forms part of the retailer's efforts to make its distribution operations more cost-efficient.