By Rorisang Modiba
- De Wagendrift residents near Cullinan finally received electricity after fighting for power since 1998.
- The R5.5-million project connected 218 households, with plans for water, sanitation and roads to follow in the settlement.
After more than two decades in the dark, families in De Wagendrift near Cullinan have finally switched on their lights.
On 26 September, the City of Tshwane connected electricity to 218 households in the settlement. Residents had been waiting since 1998.
Community leader Malesela Martin Chaba said it was a moment of relief.
“We have been fighting since 1998, living in difficult conditions. Today everything has finally happened the way it was supposed to,” he said.
Chaba said the area was once a squatter camp, only receiving permanent stands in 2023. After that, residents protested for power, and now they are calling for RDP houses, title deeds and schools.
The project was first identified by Eskom in 2023 and started in June 2025 after funding was approved by the Department of Energy and Electricity. It cost R5.5-million and connected 218 homes, with 45 still to go.
Housing and Human Settlements MMC Aaron Maluleka urged residents to protect the infrastructure. He said roads, piped water and sanitation will also be provided.
“Our priority is to restore the dignity of residents by ensuring that services reach them from all corners of the City,” he said.
De Wagendrift was established in 2004 after farmworkers were evicted from nearby farms. Land was bought in 2006, and the settlement was later recognised under the National Upgrading Support Programme.
Since 2020, residents have received demarcated stands, basic services and a layout plan that includes social amenities and a provincial clinic.
Pictured above: Residents of De Wagendrift celebrate as electricity is switched on for the first time.
Image source: Supplied
