Is the SABC back on air? What the Mayfair substation fire did
SABC TV and radio programming is restored after a fire and explosion at City Power's Mayfair substation, but Auckland Park is still on backup power. Here is what happened and which areas are affected.
SABC television and radio programming is back on air, the broadcaster said on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, but its Auckland Park studios are still running on contingency power because City Power has not fully restored electricity in the area (SABC). The disruption followed a fire and a later explosion at City Power's Mayfair substation in Johannesburg.
What happened to the SABC?
The SABC said a prolonged power outage in and around Auckland Park since the morning of Sunday, 8 November, forced it onto generator power, and that relying on backup power for so long affected its ability to keep normal transmission running (MyBroadband).
MyBroadband found SABC 2 and S3 frozen on a single frame on the SABC+ streaming platform on Wednesday, while SABC 1, SABC Sport, SABC News and the radio stations appeared to work normally (MyBroadband).
In a later update the SABC said programming across its TV channels and radio had been restored, and that technical teams were working around the clock to keep services stable (SABC).
What caused the outage?
A fire broke out at the Mayfair substation early on Sunday, 8 November. A second explosion followed as technicians were restoring supply, and City Power said it knocked out the whole substation (TechCentral).
City Power said the cause of the explosion is unknown and will be determined through an investigation (TechCentral).
Which areas are without power?
City Power listed these areas as affected by the Mayfair substation outage (MyBroadband):
| Affected by the Mayfair substation outage |
|---|
| Mayfair |
| Crown |
| Vrededorp |
| Brixton |
| Crosby |
| Pageview |
| Homestead Park |
| Amalgam |
| SABC premises, Auckland Park |
| Garden City Hospital |
Source: City Power via MyBroadband
City Power also warned that essential services, including water supply, had been disrupted (MyBroadband).
When will power be restored?
City Power has not given a firm time. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena told SABC News on Wednesday morning that repairs were "at an advanced stage" and that some areas, including the SABC, were expected to be back later that afternoon (TechCentral). City Power is also looking at supplying affected areas through its Hursthill substation while repairs continue (TechCentral).
The SABC said in its latest update that power had not yet been fully restored in Auckland Park (SABC).
What has the government said?
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said he was in contact with SABC Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli and that the department would work with SABC management to minimise further disruptions (SABC News).
FAQ
Is the SABC back on air?
Yes. The SABC said on 11 November 2026 that programming on its TV channels and radio had been restored, though it is still on contingency power.
Why did SABC channels go off air?
A fire and a later explosion at City Power's Mayfair substation cut power to Auckland Park, and long reliance on generators disrupted some SABC transmission.
When will power return in Mayfair and Brixton?
City Power has not given a firm time. It said repairs were at an advanced stage and it is looking at supply through the Hursthill substation.