The Rise of Illegal “Electricians” and the Fall of Reputable Businesses

Title: After the Solar Boom: The Rise of Illegal “Electricians” and the Fall of Reputable Businesses

The solar boom in South Africa brought with it a wave of opportunity. With the nation plunged into regular load shedding, the demand for solar solutions skyrocketed. This sudden need gave birth to an influx of new companies—some legal, many not—looking to ride the green energy wave.

But what was once a booming market driven by necessity has now cooled down. Load shedding has lessened, and the urgency for solar installations has faded. What’s left behind, however, is a much bigger problem—an oversaturated industry, and a dangerous one at that.

The Unintended Consequence: A Flood of Unregistered “Electricians”

During the height of the solar craze, many individuals—without formal qualifications, registration, or experience—jumped into the industry to make a quick buck. Some were trained just enough to install a panel or connect an inverter, but never received proper guidance or regulation. Now that solar demand has declined, these same individuals have shifted into general electrical work—unregistered, unqualified, and operating outside the law.

This has caused a serious shake-up in the industry. Longstanding, law-abiding electricians who have spent years building their reputation, investing in their education, maintaining compliance, and delivering quality work are now undercut by rogue operators. These unregistered individuals charge less, don’t issue valid Certificates of Compliance (COCs), and often do substandard or even dangerous work. Customers, unaware of the risks or simply chasing cheaper quotes, are lured into these traps.

Legitimate Businesses Are Suffering

We are witnessing reputable, registered electrical businesses—some that have been around for decades—closing their doors. They simply cannot compete with the pricing of unregistered operators who don’t carry the overheads of compliance, certification, insurance, staff development, and safety. The race to the bottom in pricing is hurting the very professionals who keep the industry safe, compliant, and professional.

The Department's Deafening Silence

To make matters worse, the very body meant to regulate and protect the industry—our Department of Labour and other regulatory authorities—have shown little to no willingness to act. Reports of illegal electrical work fall on deaf ears. Instead of cracking down on the illegal, unregistered practitioners, the Department seems more interested in scrutinizing those who are already registered and trying to stay compliant. The message this sends is loud and clear: play by the rules, and you’ll be the one punished for it.

Where is the enforcement? Where is the accountability?

The Industry Is at a Breaking Point

Unless urgent action is taken to clamp down on illegal activity and protect registered electricians, we are heading toward an industry crisis. Lives are at risk. Property is at risk. And the very reputation of the electrical trade is being eroded from within.

⚠️ Call to Action: Stand Up for Your Industry

• Registered electricians: Start speaking up. Report illegal work, demand enforcement, and unite to protect the profession you've worked hard to build.

• Clients and consumers: Always ask for valid registration documents. If the price sounds too good to be true—it probably is.

• Industry bodies: It's time to hold the Department accountable. Demand clarity, fairness, and consistent enforcement.

• Government and regulatory officials: The time for silence is over. Take action now—before lives are lost and trust in the profession is destroyed.

If we don’t defend the integrity of the electrical trade, no one will.