Eskom Announces Weekend Load-Shedding Timetable: Stage 6 to Remain in Effect

Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, has released its weekend load-shedding schedule, which is expected to have little relief from the ongoing power cuts. Stage 6 load-shedding will persist, two 11-hour periods of stage 4 and stage 5, scheduled as follows:

• Stage 6: 5:00 am on Friday to 5:00 am on Saturday
• Stage 5: 5:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday
• Stage 6: 4:00 pm on Saturday to 5:00 am on Sunday
• Stage 4: 5:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday
• Stage 6: 4:00 pm on Sunday to 5:00 am on Monday

According to Eskom, the load-shedding remains a necessity due to a demand-supply gap in the electrical grid, worsening due to several factors such as unplanned outages, maintenance operations, and delays in returning certain power stations to services, among others.

Despite the Eskom spokesperson’s assurance that the utility is doing everything to keep the lights on, many South Africans doubt that the ongoing crisis will end anytime soon. The continuous implementation of the highest stage of load-shedding – with no end in sight, along with Eskom’s recurring leadership crises – has shaken people’s confidence in the power utility.

Eskom will keep updating its load-shedding schedule as necessary. However, one thing is for sure: persistent power cuts remain a severe problem in South Africa, one that is set to have long-term repercussions for people’s daily lives and the country’s economic well-being.

Load Shedding Schedules for Major Metros

Stay on top of the game by checking your city’s load shedding schedule:

• Buffalo City
• City of Ekurhuleni 
• City of Johannesburg
• City of Tshwane 
• City of Cape Town
• eThekwini
• Manguang
• Nelson Mandela Bay

Stay Informed with the Load Shedding App

Smartphone users can download the Load Shedding App to receive push notifications when load shedding is implemented.

Eskom’s got your back, working hard to keep the lights on! Stay informed and plan your weekend accordingly with this updated load shedding schedule. And remember, we’re all in this together!