10-Hour Blackouts – South Africa is once again plunged into darkness as Eskom reintroduces Stage 6 load shedding starting July 3, 2025. Citizens are being warned to brace for up to 10 hours of power outages per day, a harsh repeat of the power crisis that crippled the country in previous years. This move comes amidst mounting pressure on the national grid, triggered by unplanned breakdowns, a shortfall in energy reserves, and a failure to procure emergency power from external suppliers. Eskom’s latest announcement has left millions frustrated, with businesses, hospitals, and households scrambling to adjust their routines. Stage 6 means that most areas will experience multiple load shedding sessions daily, often spanning over four hours at a time. What’s worse, Eskom has not ruled out the possibility of moving to Stage 7 or 8 if demand isn’t significantly reduced or if further breakdowns occur at key power stations. The return of Stage 6 poses a serious threat to economic activity, school functioning, healthcare delivery, and basic day-to-day living. Citizens are being urged to switch off non-essential appliances, invest in power alternatives, and track their local schedules carefully to avoid disruption. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Stage 6, how it will affect your daily life, and what immediate actions you can take to stay prepared.
What is 10-Hour Blackouts and Why It’s Happening Again
Stage 6 load shedding means Eskom is forced to remove approximately 6,000 MW of power from the national grid.
- Load shedding escalated due to breakdowns at 11 major units
- Electricity reserves dropped below critical levels on July 1
- Eskom unable to meet winter peak demand
- Delays in diesel supply and usage restrictions worsened shortages
- Corruption and maintenance backlogs continue to plague operations
Historical Data of Eskom 10-Hour Blackouts Stages
A quick glance at Eskom’s load shedding history and what each stage represents:
| Load Shedding Stage | Power Cut (MW) | Daily Hours | Common Duration Per Session | Risk Level | Public Impact | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 1,000 MW | 2-3 hours | 2 hrs | Low | Minimal | June 2023 |
| Stage 2 | 2,000 MW | 4 hours | 2 hrs | Moderate | Noticeable | Aug 2023 |
| Stage 4 | 4,000 MW | 6-8 hours | 2.5 hrs | High | Severe | Jan 2024 |
| Stage 5 | 5,000 MW | 8-9 hours | 3 hrs | Critical | Disruptive | May 2024 |
| Stage 6 | 6,000 MW | 10 hours | 4 hrs | Extreme | Widespread | July 2025 |
| Stage 7 | 7,000 MW | 12+ hours | 4-5 hrs | Extreme+ | Emergency | Not Yet |
| Stage 8 | 8,000 MW | 12+ hours | 4-6 hrs | Collapse | Total Breakdown | Not Yet |
Key Areas Affected by 10-Hour Blackouts from July 3
Almost every major metro and rural area in South Africa is affected under Stage 6. Here are the confirmed high-impact zones:
- Johannesburg (City Power) – Up to 4 blackout blocks per day
- Cape Town – Load shedding still active despite hydro buffers
- Tshwane (Pretoria) – Power cuts every 4 hours
- Durban – Experiencing 3 to 4 extended cuts per day
- Eastern Cape – Heavily impacted, water delivery also disrupted
- Limpopo and Free State – Grid under severe pressure
- Northern Cape – Minimal buffer; diesel backup stretched
Metro Load Shedding Schedule Highlights
| City / Municipality | Blackout Duration | Sessions Per Day | Scheduled Time Ranges | Alternative Relief? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 10 hours | 4 | 00:00-02:00, 04:00-06:30… | Battery backups only |
| Cape Town | 8 hours | 3 | 06:00-08:30, 12:00-14:30… | Partial mitigation |
| Pretoria/Tshwane | 9–10 hours | 4 | 03:00-06:00, 10:00-13:00… | None |
| Durban | 10+ hours | 4–5 | 01:00-03:30, 07:00-09:30… | Water supply affected |
| Eastern Cape | 10 hours | 4 | 02:00-04:00, 16:00-18:00… | Municipal notice |
| Bloemfontein | 8–9 hours | 3–4 | 04:00-06:00, 20:00-22:00… | Standby generators |
| Port Elizabeth | 9–10 hours | 4 | 05:00-07:00, 11:00-13:00… | Limited buffering |
How This Will Affect Daily Life Across Sectors
South Africans are urged to adjust their schedules and prepare for major disruptions in critical services.
- Load shedding will severely disrupt business hours and productivity
- Students will face study time loss and online learning interruptions
- Hospitals may run only on backup generators, affecting patient care
- Water and sanitation services in some provinces may halt during power cuts
- Home appliances and electronics are at increased risk of damage
Business and Healthcare Sector Impact
The impact on healthcare and businesses is particularly severe:
| Sector | Impact Detail |
|---|---|
| Small Businesses | Loss of daily revenue, stock damage, reduced customer traffic |
| Retail Chains | Shorter operational hours, increased generator fuel costs |
| Clinics | Medicine refrigeration and oxygen machines may stop without backup |
| Public Hospitals | Operating theatres and ICU units running on limited generator capacity |
| eCommerce | Delayed deliveries, server outages, digital payment failures |
| Call Centres | Disrupted inbound/outbound customer operations |
Eskom’s Explanation and Public Backlash
Eskom has defended the implementation of Stage 6 by citing technical constraints and the global fuel shortage.
- “We regret the inconvenience but are forced to implement Stage 6,” said Eskom’s interim CEO
- Public reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative
- Parliament opposition parties demand an independent inquiry into Eskom’s management
- Calls for private sector takeover of energy infrastructure are growing
Political & Legal Repercussions
Mounting pressure is building on government structures:
- National Assembly may fast-track energy procurement legislation
- Civil groups preparing to file a joint class action lawsuit against Eskom
- Multiple municipalities threaten to go off-grid by end of 2025
How to Prepare for Stage 6 Load Shedding at Home
With up to 10 hours of outages daily, households must act now to limit the chaos.
- Charge phones, lamps, and power banks overnight
- Invest in solar-powered bulbs or rechargeable lighting
- Switch off geysers, pool pumps, and unused appliances
- Use gas for cooking to reduce reliance on electricity
- Keep bottled water and shelf-stable food ready
- Use UPS or inverters for Wi-Fi and routers
Backup Power Options for Households
| Power Option | Cost Estimate | Duration Supported | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Banks | R300 – R1,000 | Phones, lights (6–10 hrs) | Emergency comms and light |
| Solar Lanterns | R150 – R600 | 8–12 hours | Outdoor, night lighting |
| Mini Inverters | R2,000 – R7,000 | 4–6 hours | Wi-Fi, laptops, lights |
| Gas Stoves | R500 – R2,500 | Unlimited (with gas) | Cooking, water heating |
| Full Generators | R10,000+ | 6–10 hours per refill | Whole home supply |
What Happens If Stage 7 or 8 Is Implemented?
Although not confirmed yet, Eskom has warned that further failures could push the grid into Stage 7 or even Stage 8.
- Stage 7 would mean 12 to 14 hours of blackout per day
- Stage 8 implies total grid instability and potential blackouts of 16+ hours
- Emergency power may only be reserved for essential services like hospitals and airports
- Government may declare limited State of Energy Emergency in affected provinces
Citizen Precaution Steps if Stage 8 is Declared
- Store fuel, water, and dry goods in bulk
- Create a blackout communication plan with family members
- Ensure backup power for medical devices and elderly care
- Install surge protectors for all electronics
Municipal Warnings Issued So Far
Municipalities across provinces have started issuing circulars to warn citizens and suggest power-saving tips. Local updates are being published every 4 hours on municipal websites and via SMS alert systems. Stay subscribed to your city’s notification services for real-time updates.
Private Sector Solutions Being Explored
Several telecom and tech companies are collaborating to provide power-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings in load shedding hotspots. Eskom is also in discussion with independent power producers to ramp up emergency energy provision via IPPs by late July.
While Eskom insists this is a temporary emergency, citizens are losing faith quickly. Businesses and individuals alike are now making long-term plans to detach from Eskom’s grid entirely. If conditions don’t improve fast, Stage 6 could become South Africa’s new normal for months to come.
FAQs – Eskom Stage 6 Load Shedding
1. What is Stage 6 load shedding?
Stage 6 means Eskom cuts 6,000 MW from the grid, causing up to 10 hours of blackouts daily.
2. When did Stage 6 start in July 2025?
Stage 6 officially began on July 3, 2025.
3. Which cities are worst affected?
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Eastern Cape face the longest outages.
4. Can Eskom move to Stage 7 or 8?
Yes, if more breakdowns occur, Stage 7 or 8 may be implemented with longer blackouts.
5. How can households prepare?
Charge devices, use power banks, install inverters, and follow local schedules closely.