Stage 6 Blackouts – South Africans are once again bracing for a severe electricity crisis as Eskom has officially confirmed that Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented on 24 July 2025. With blackouts lasting up to 8 hours a day, millions of homes and businesses across the country will face major disruptions. The announcement comes amid worsening conditions at several power stations, growing demand, and ongoing infrastructure failures. Stage 6 is among the most extreme levels of rotational power cuts, indicating that Eskom is shedding around 6,000 MW from the national grid. For ordinary citizens, this means long hours without electricity, reduced productivity, and severe inconvenience. Eskom has also released an updated area-specific schedule, identifying which regions will be hit the hardest during the Stage 6 blackout. This announcement has raised major concerns for hospitals, schools, small businesses, and ordinary residents, especially those relying on electricity for work-from-home setups, medical devices, and small-scale trading. Many communities are also worried about increased crime rates during blackouts and the security risks involved when power is down for such long hours. Eskom has urged all citizens to reduce consumption wherever possible and prepare for extended power interruptions. The utility has also reminded households to treat all electrical appliances as live during loadshedding intervals to avoid potential damage or hazards. Below is a detailed breakdown of areas most affected, blackout schedules, tips for preparedness, and the latest government interventions for affected communities.
What Is Stage 6 Blackouts and Why It’s Being Implemented
Stage 6 loadshedding means Eskom is cutting up to 6,000 MW from the national grid to prevent a total blackout.
- Implemented when the grid is under extreme pressure
- Each area may face 6 to 8 hours of blackout daily
- Caused by unit breakdowns at key power stations
- Nationwide impact expected across all provinces
- Eskom says emergency reserves are dangerously low
- Demand has outpaced supply due to cold weather
- Public urged to limit usage especially from 5PM to 9PM
Areas Most Affected by Stage 6 Blackouts – High Risk Zones
Eskom has shared a provisional list of regions that will be hit the hardest by the Stage 6 power cuts. Below is a table of high-impact areas across provinces:
| Province | Metro/Municipality | High-Risk Suburbs | Blackout Duration | Peak Hours Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | City of Johannesburg | Soweto, Sandton, Midrand | 8 hours | 6AM–10AM, 5PM–9PM |
| Western Cape | City of Cape Town | Mitchells Plain, Claremont | 6–7 hours | 5AM–9AM, 4PM–8PM |
| KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini | Umlazi, Durban Central | 8 hours | 7AM–11AM, 6PM–10PM |
| Eastern Cape | Nelson Mandela Bay | Uitenhage, Despatch | 7–8 hours | 6AM–10AM, 5PM–9PM |
| Free State | Mangaung | Bloemfontein Central, Phahameng | 8 hours | 5AM–9AM, 6PM–10PM |
| Limpopo | Polokwane Municipality | Seshego, Ivy Park | 7 hours | 6AM–9AM, 5PM–8PM |
| North West | Mahikeng | Riviera Park, Golfview | 6 hours | 7AM–10AM, 6PM–9PM |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela | White River, Riverside Park | 8 hours | 6AM–10AM, 5PM–9PM |
Eskom’s Stage 6 Blackouts – Check Your Schedule
Each metro and municipality is divided into blocks that rotate during blackouts. Here’s how the blocks will function under Stage 6:
- Each area has at least three 2-hour blocks in a 24-hour cycle
- Some zones face two 4-hour blocks based on region
- Loadshedding app and websites have detailed times
- SMS alerts also available from most municipalities
- Priority areas (e.g., hospitals) might have reduced load
Impact on Households, Businesses, and Education
Extended power cuts affect nearly every aspect of life, from basic household functioning to critical services like education and commerce.
- Students unable to access online learning platforms
- Cold storage failure causing food spoilage in households
- Small businesses losing up to 30% daily revenue
- Increased theft and security issues during blackouts
- Medical device users face serious health risks
- Water pumps and purification systems disrupted
Emergency Preparedness Tips for Families
Here’s how households can prepare for the 8-hour blackouts on 24 July:
- Charge all mobile phones and laptops fully overnight
- Fill up power banks and backup batteries
- Keep a solar or battery-powered torch or lamp
- Stock up on non-perishable food and clean water
- Turn off geysers and heavy appliances during peak hours
- Freeze water bottles to keep food cool in the fridge
- Avoid using open flames indoors during blackouts
Government and Municipal Response to Stage 6 Crisis
Local municipalities and government agencies are issuing response plans to ease the impact on citizens and maintain basic services.
| Department | Support Action | Timeline | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | Emergency fuel stock release | 23–25 July | All provinces |
| Disaster Management | Deploying backup generators to clinics | 23 July onwards | Health facilities only |
| SAPS & Metro Police | Extra patrolling during blackout hours | Immediate | High-crime zones |
| Education Dept. | Postponing digital classes | 23–26 July | Online schools |
| Eskom | Load forecast update every 6 hours | Real-time | App and website |
| Municipalities | Dedicated helplines for loadshedding issues | 24 July | During business hours |
| Dept. of Public Works | Solar panel rollout for emergency lighting | By 30 July | Community halls only |
Eskom’s Statement and Public Assurance
Eskom CEO’s recent media address has tried to provide clarity:
- “We are doing everything possible to stabilize supply.”
- “Stage 6 is temporary and will be reviewed every 24 hours.”
- “Repairs are underway at key generation units.”
- “We urge public to reduce evening demand.”
How to File Complaints or Report Power Faults
During loadshedding, many citizens experience issues that are not related to scheduled cuts—like faults, prolonged outages, or transformer failure.
- Use your local municipal helpline or mobile app
- Contact Eskom via WhatsApp or SMS service
- Record outage duration and location for reference
- Lodge a complaint if blackout exceeds schedule
Tips for Business Continuity During Blackouts
Small businesses and entrepreneurs are among the worst-hit. Here’s how to manage work during Stage 6 loadshedding:
- Invest in UPS or small inverter system
- Use cloud services for data protection
- Switch to gas stoves or battery lights for operations
- Set up WhatsApp notifications for customers about opening hours
- Encourage staff to work flexi-hours or remotely if possible
FAQs of Stage 6 Blackouts
Q1: When will Stage 6 loadshedding end?
A: Eskom has stated that the situation will be reassessed daily, but Stage 6 will continue at least through 24–25 July based on current conditions.
Q2: Can my area face more than 8 hours of blackout?
A: It’s unlikely but possible if your municipality implements overlapping blocks or extended outages due to faults.
Q3: How can I check my loadshedding schedule?
A: Use the EskomSePush app or your municipality’s website to enter your suburb and find your exact schedule.
Q4: Are hospitals affected by Stage 6 loadshedding?
A: Most hospitals and emergency services are considered exempt or partially exempt, and have backup generators.
Q5: What happens if my power doesn’t come back on time?
A: Report to your municipality or Eskom via helplines. Faults may be unrelated to loadshedding and need technical attention.
With Stage 6 loadshedding now confirmed, it’s essential that citizens across South Africa stay informed, prepared, and proactive. Follow your area’s schedule, protect your electronics, and plan ahead for the disruptions. Eskom continues to promise hourly updates on the situation, and any change in the stage level will be communicated promptly. For now, the best course of action is readiness and community support.