ZESA – In a bold move to combat the growing menace of electricity infrastructure vandalism, ZESA Holdings has launched a countrywide initiative to install advanced surveillance systems on power transformers. The new measures include the deployment of CCTV cameras, alarms, and motion sensors aimed at reducing the rampant destruction of equipment and curbing the financial losses incurred annually.
The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Harare on Tuesday. He explained that the initiative, being implemented through ZESA’s technology subsidiary Powertel, will introduce real-time monitoring systems that detect and alert authorities to any suspicious activity at transformer sites.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), another ZESA subsidiary, is leading the on-ground rollout. Dr Muswere said the programme is targeting a total of 47,000 electricity transformers across the country, a majority of which are vulnerable to theft and sabotage.
“So far, we have successfully completed installation at 108 monitoring sites,” said Dr Muswere. “ZETDC is now working on a framework that will allow community involvement in the protection of national power infrastructure.”
Over the years, ZESA has suffered substantial losses—running into millions of dollars—due to vandalism, cable theft, and transformer destruction. Criminals, often operating in syndicates, steal copper windings and transformer oil, leaving entire communities in darkness for weeks while replacements are sourced. In response, the Government has enacted tougher laws with stiffer penalties for vandalism, but the problem persists.
The launch of this surveillance project marks a significant technological leap in ZESA’s efforts to secure its assets. The surveillance systems will be connected to central command centres, enabling real-time response by security teams and law enforcement authorities.
Dr Muswere emphasized that the broader objective is to improve power supply reliability across the country by ensuring that critical infrastructure remains intact and operational.
ZESA Rolls Out Nationwide Transformer Surveillance Project to Tackle Vandalism
The anti-vandalism initiative is part of a wider energy development strategy spearheaded by Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, who is overseeing a range of electricity generation projects across Zimbabwe. As part of the Day 50 update of the Government’s second 100-Day Programme for 2025, Dr Muswere reported encouraging progress in ongoing thermal and solar energy ventures.
“Power generation capacity is set to improve significantly with ongoing projects in Hwange, Buhera, Beitbridge, and Chegutu. These will add more megawatts to the national grid,” he said.
In addition to energy and power updates, Dr Muswere also gave a rundown of developments in the information and broadcasting sectors under his own ministry. One of the highlights includes the near-completion of two major documentary productions aimed at both national education and cultural preservation.
The first series, comprising 25 episodes, documents Zimbabwe’s developmental strides under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), while the second series focuses on the legacy and achievements of the Munhumutapa Empire. These productions feature interviews with experts, voices from citizens, and archival footage. “Over 80 percent of post-production work has been completed,” said the Minister.
Turning to broadcasting infrastructure, Dr Muswere announced that the Garahwa Community Radio Transmitter in Chipinge, Manicaland Province, is now fully operational, with its uninterrupted power supply integration project also successfully completed.
Radio Zimbabwe’s FM transmitter in Plumtree is currently undergoing a technical upgrade, with completion expected before the end of the current review cycle.
In Bulawayo, the establishment of a new Heritage-Based Educational Radio Channel is nearing completion, with all essential broadcasting equipment installed and studio acoustic treatment finalised. The Minister said the channel is now 95 percent complete and will soon be available to the public.
Meanwhile, the modernisation of Montrose Studios, a flagship broadcasting facility in Bulawayo, has been fully completed. The studios are now awaiting official commissioning by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“These projects are part of the Government’s broader strategy to modernise public services, enhance access to information, and promote the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage,” said Dr Muswere.
As Zimbabwe continues to upgrade both its energy and communication infrastructure, the Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering tangible progress across all sectors of national development. The transformer surveillance initiative stands out as a promising step towards protecting vital assets and ensuring consistent service delivery to the people.
ZESA
