ICC UPDATE 5: STORM WEATHER: Electricity
| 12 May 2026 @ 15:00
Executive Mayor Archie Klaas, has engaged with Eskom management and provides the following feedback regarding the ongoing power outages affecting several areas within the Overstrand Municipality area.
The Mayor acknowledged the frustration of residents affected by the prolonged outages, but emphasised that Eskom technical teams require approximately 4-5 hours to patrol and inspect transmission lines thoroughly. As a result, it is not operationally feasible to provide more frequent feedback and updates will be managed accordingly.
Greater Hermanus to Stanford–Gansbaai:
Teams have completed patrolling the Hermanus 1 and 2 66kV lines; however, no visible faults were detected. Eskom will now proceed with energising the lines in phases, from Houw Hoek to Hermanus, then Stanford and then Gansbaai area.
While every precaution is being taken, there remains a risk of tripping during this process. Mayor Klaas noted that despite this risk, there is cautious optimism that the system will stabilise before the end of the day.
Hawston, Fisherhaven, Onrus, Vermont:
The teams still busy at Afdaks/Hawston 66kV supplying Vermont/Onrus/Fisherhaven and Hawston. Overstrand Municipality is assisting with the temporary road to the pole for trucks so that they can be stabile during the repairs.
Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay, Rooiels:
The line is down and structural damage has been confirmed. Although the Kleinmond substation was restored late last night, the 11kV feeder line remains faulty.
ETR
At this stage, Eskom has not provided an estimated time for full restoration.
Please
Once power has been restored, the Overstrand Municipality’s Electrical Department will systematically switch on our own network.
Residents are requested to wait at least 30 minutes before switching appliances back on. This will help prevent system overload and reduce the risk of tripping.
ICC UPDATE 3_ MUNICIPAL SERVICES STORM WEATHER
| 12 May 2026 @ 09.45
Yesterday was a bad day for the whole of the Western Cape Province, and it is not over yet, as the predicted rainfall and winds will continue today.
In addition, water will be flowing down from the mountains, which will increase water levels, and the probability of flooding remains high.
Most cellphone networks are down, and communication is limited. It seems that internet connectivity is slowly coming back online in Hermanus.
Electricity
The most pressing issue at this stage is widespread power outages affecting the Overstrand municipal area. The latest update received from Eskom is that teams have returned to assess access for the replacement of a broken pole on the Afdaks/Hawston 66kV line.
Charging phones
Residents are welcome to charge their devices at the Onrus Electrical Department, the Hermanus Fire Station, and the main municipal offices in Gansbaai, Kleinmond, and Stanford while generators are operational. Please clearly mark your phones, plugs, and cables.
Municipal Offices
Communication networks are down at the Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Kleinmond municipal administration offices, as well as at the external buildings of the Hermanus Administration.
The rates halls at the respective municipal offices have sustained water damage, and cashiers are unable to process transactions. Client services also do not have access to the system and are therefore unable to operate.
Traffic services
Licensing and registration services remain operational in Gansbaai, Hermanus and Kleinmond
The vehicle testing station (roadworthy) and driving licence testing centre in Hermanus is open
Community Halls
Most community halls will be used for emergency accommodation should families be displaced. Normal outreach services, such as SASSA and Indigent Grant support, will not be able to proceed as originally scheduled.
Waste Management
Services will continue as per the normal Tuesday schedule in all areas.
Roads
All main roads and routes remain open at this stage. Please treat all non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stops.
Donations
If you are able to assist by providing warm meals or soup, please contact the Overstrand Disaster Management logistics team for donation coordination. They are situated at the Hermanus Fire Station in Mussel Road.
