Load Shedding Stage 8 – South Africans are once again bracing for extreme power outages, as Eskom has officially confirmed the return of Stage 8 Load Shedding starting in early July 2025. With the national grid under intense pressure due to cold weather demand, insufficient generation capacity, and ongoing maintenance challenges, this highest stage of rotational power cuts will affect millions of households and businesses daily. Stage 8 means up to 12 hours of load shedding per day, spread across multiple time slots. While this is not the first time Stage 8 has been discussed, this is the first time in 2025 it has been confirmed with a full schedule and list of affected areas. The Department of Public Enterprises has also urged residents to plan ahead, conserve energy, and monitor local schedules to avoid major disruptions. Eskom has assured that emergency diesel reserves and private sector interventions are being deployed, but these measures can only soften the impact—not eliminate it. The announcement comes as the country faces one of its coldest winters in recent years, increasing the demand for electricity for heating and basic appliances. Below is the detailed breakdown of how this new Stage 8 schedule will impact you, which areas are most affected, and what you can do to stay prepared.
Areas Most Affected by Load Shedding Stage 8 in July 2025
Stage 8 will not affect all areas equally. Certain metros and municipalities will experience longer power cuts due to infrastructure limitations or higher demand levels.
- Johannesburg (City Power and Eskom Zones)
- Cape Town (excluding essential service areas)
- Ekurhuleni Metro (including Benoni, Germiston, Boksburg)
- Durban and Surrounding eThekwini Municipality
- Tshwane (Pretoria and outlying areas)
- Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth)
- Bloemfontein
- Rural Mpumalanga and Limpopo regions
New Load Shedding Stage 8 Schedule Explained
The new daily load shedding schedule will follow a rotating pattern, allowing for minimum 4 sessions of 2–3 hours each day in most areas.
| Time Slot | Power Status | Duration | Affected Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:00 – 06:30 | OFF | 2.5 hours | Zone 1, 3, 5, 7 |
| 08:00 – 10:30 | OFF | 2.5 hours | Zone 2, 4, 6, 8 |
| 12:00 – 14:30 | OFF | 2.5 hours | Zone 1, 2, 5, 6 |
| 16:00 – 18:30 | OFF | 2.5 hours | Zone 3, 4, 7, 8 |
| 20:00 – 22:30 | OFF | 2.5 hours | Rotating per area |
| 00:00 – 02:00 | OFF (if required) | 2 hours | High-demand zones only |
| Other Times | ON (Intermittent) | Varies | All regions |
Why Load Shedding Stage 8 Is Being Implemented Again
Stage 8 load shedding is considered a last-resort measure, but Eskom says multiple critical issues have forced this move in July.
- Depleted diesel and hydro reserves due to overuse
- Unexpected breakdowns at Kusile and Medupi power stations
- Increase in electricity demand due to winter heating needs
- Limited private generation output due to cloudy, windless days
- Infrastructure sabotage and theft at substations
Impact on Households and Small Businesses
Power cuts at Stage 8 level severely impact daily life. Here’s what residents and business owners should prepare for:
- Appliances: Fridges, geysers, routers, and lights will shut down multiple times a day.
- Connectivity: Internet and mobile networks will experience long downtimes.
- Commerce: Small businesses relying on POS systems or refrigeration will suffer the most.
- Safety: Security systems, alarms, and street lighting will be unreliable.
- Water: Areas with electric pumps may experience water shortages or low pressure.
Tips to Prepare for Stage 8 Load Shedding
Residents and businesses are advised to follow these tips for better survival during intense outages:
- Charge all devices and power banks before scheduled cuts.
- Invest in solar lights, gas stoves, or inverter backup systems.
- Print or save your area-specific schedule from your municipal site.
- Limit use of heavy appliances during peak hours.
- Communicate with schools, employers, and service providers for alternate plans.
Major Metro-Specific Schedules
Johannesburg Load Shedding July 2025
Residents in Johannesburg will follow City Power or Eskom-managed zones. Most areas will experience four 2.5-hour outages per day.
| Zone | Morning | Midday | Evening | Late Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 04:00–06:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 20:00–22:30 | — |
| 2 | 08:00–10:30 | 16:00–18:30 | — | 00:00–02:00 |
| 3 | 04:00–06:30 | — | 16:00–18:30 | 20:00–22:30 |
Cape Town Load Shedding Exceptions and Adjustments
The City of Cape Town is known to buffer its residents from one or two stages of load shedding due to hydroelectric backup.
| Region | Backup Stage | Load Cut Duration | Schedule Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD & Hospitals | Stage 6 | 2 hours max | Critical services protected |
| Southern Suburbs | Stage 8 | 4 sessions/day | No load relief applied |
| Khayelitsha & Delft | Stage 8 | 4 sessions/day | Regular schedule in place |
| Milnerton & Century | Stage 7 | 3 sessions/day | Load shifted slightly |
eThekwini (Durban) New Time Slots and Warnings
eThekwini Municipality will implement four time slots per day for most suburbs.
| Suburb | Load Time Slots |
|---|---|
| Umlazi | 06:00–08:30, 12:00–14:30 |
| Berea | 08:00–10:30, 20:00–22:30 |
| Phoenix | 04:00–06:30, 16:00–18:30 |
| Durban CBD | 08:00–10:30, 18:00–20:30 |
Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay & Free State Rotations
Tshwane and other large metros will rotate through standardised Stage 8 slots. Expect at least 4 outages per day.
- Pretoria Central: 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 18:00–20:30
- Bloemfontein North: 08:00–10:30, 16:00–18:30, 00:00–02:00
- Port Elizabeth Zones: 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30
While Eskom has not ruled out the possibility of improvements or reduced stages if conditions improve, residents should prepare for at least 2 weeks of Stage 8 disruptions. Businesses, households, and schools are advised to use this time to review their energy backup options and adjust routines.
The public is urged to report infrastructure damage, avoid illegal connections, and practice energy-saving habits. South Africa’s load shedding crisis is far from over, but staying informed and prepared can reduce its impact on daily life.
FAQs of Load Shedding Stage 8
What is Stage 8 Load Shedding?
Stage 8 is the highest level of rotational power cuts, lasting up to 12 hours a day across multiple sessions.
When does Stage 8 start?
Stage 8 Load Shedding is set to begin on 1 July 2025 and will continue based on grid demand.
Which areas are most affected by Stage 8?
Major metros such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, and Bloemfontein will experience frequent power cuts.
Can I use solar power to bypass load shedding?
Yes, solar systems and battery backups can significantly reduce the impact of load shedding.
Will essential services like hospitals be exempt?
Some essential services, such as hospitals, may be spared or given priority to maintain operations.