By Maria Mothibedi, Head of Operations: SPM
Heritage Day in South Africa is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the stories that have shaped our nation. We honour the cultures, histories, and contributions that define who we are. But heritage is not only found in monuments, museums, or cultural traditions—it also lives in the infrastructure that powers our country. The power plants, substations, and networks that have served generations are more than functional assets; they are chapters in our national story, reflecting innovation, resilience, and human ingenuity.
From my perspective at SPM, it’s clear that our energy infrastructure does more than power homes and businesses—it tells a story of innovation, resilience, and progress. Preserving these assets isn’t just about operational reliability; it’s about honouring the efforts of those who built them and ensuring future generations can understand the journey that brought us here.
Across the country, electrical infrastructure carries the weight of history. Some of our oldest substations and lines were designed in an era with very different tools and technologies, yet they continue to sustain communities today. They stand as reminders of the resourcefulness of those who came before us. They show us that energy is not only about steel, cables, and transformers—it is about people and the continuity of their lives. To preserve and maintain these systems is to preserve a part of South Africa’s shared heritage.
Two current projects illustrate this balance of progress and preservation. In the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, SPM is installing major transformers that will significantly improve reliability in the regions they serve. These installations are not simply about meeting today’s demand; they are part of a longer lineage of infrastructure that has kept communities connected for decades. While the equipment is new and designed for a modern grid, the story it joins is older and enduring—one that spans generations of engineers, technicians, and households that have relied on reliable power to thrive.
These projects also remind us of the responsibility we carry. Each transformer is a critical node in a national network that has grown and adapted over time. Our teams are not only focused on executing flawless installations to the highest technical standards, but also on ensuring that this new equipment integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Every design choice, every safety measure, every step of installation reflects a commitment to innovation balanced with continuity. In this way, we build for the future without disregarding the past.
The work underway is an example of how modern engineering solutions can be introduced in a way that respects legacy. On one hand, we are deploying cutting-edge technology to increase efficiency and reliability for communities and industries that need it most. On the other, we recognise that every installation becomes part of a larger historical record. One day, future generations will look back on these transformers not only for their technical value but also for what they say about our priorities, our challenges, and our ambitions as a country.
Heritage Day is an opportunity to look at the bigger picture. Too often, infrastructure is taken for granted—noticed only when something fails. But in truth, it forms part of our living history. Just as historic landmarks and cultural traditions are celebrated as part of our national identity, so too should we recognise the networks of stations, substations, and transmission lines that sustain daily life. They are monuments of a different kind: practical, indispensable, and deeply woven into the fabric of South African society.