Stage 4 Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing themselves for power cuts as Eskom reintroduces Stage 4 load shedding this week. After weeks of fluctuating electricity supply, the state-owned power utility has confirmed that higher stages of blackouts are unavoidable due to severe generation constraints and increased winter demand. For millions of households and businesses, this return means more disruption, longer hours without power, and renewed frustration. Load shedding has become a frustrating norm in the lives of South Africans, affecting everything from cooking and studying to business operations and healthcare services. Stage 4, in particular, means that electricity will be off for up to 12 hours a day in many regions, broken into 2-4 hour blocks depending on the local schedule. This time, Eskom has released a revised blackout list detailing affected areas and times, urging all residents to stay updated and prepare accordingly. The impact is not just limited to daily routines—it also raises concerns about safety, communication, and economic productivity. With no stable timeline on when the situation will improve, many are left asking: when will the lights stay on for good?
What Does Stage 4 Load Shedding Mean?
Stage 4 load shedding is among the higher levels of controlled blackouts implemented to protect the power grid from complete collapse.
- Power will be cut in multiple 2 to 4-hour sessions each day
- A total of 12 hours of blackouts per day in some areas
- Affects both urban and rural municipalities
- Scheduled and implemented by Eskom and local municipalities
- Backup power may be necessary for essential services
Eskom Stage 4 Load Shedding Stages Explained
Each stage corresponds to the amount of electricity Eskom must save to prevent total grid failure. Here’s a breakdown:
| Load Shedding Stage | Power Cut per Day | Households Affected | Duration per Session | Times per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Up to 2 hours | Few areas | 2 hours | Once or twice |
| Stage 2 | Up to 4 hours | Moderate areas | 2 hours | 2 times |
| Stage 3 | Up to 6 hours | Most areas | 2 hours | 3 times |
| Stage 4 | Up to 12 hours | All areas | 2-4 hours | 3-4 times |
| Stage 5 | 12-14 hours | Nationwide | 2-4 hours | 4-5 times |
| Stage 6 | 14-16 hours | Nationwide | 4 hours | Up to 6 times |
| Stage 8 | Over 16 hours | Nationwide | 4 hours+ | Continuous cuts |
Areas Affected Under New Stage 4 Schedule
Eskom has provided a provisional list of affected regions based on rotational cuts.
- Gauteng: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni
- Western Cape: Cape Town (some zones), Stellenbosch
- Eastern Cape: Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban, Pietermaritzburg
- Free State: Bloemfontein, Welkom
- North West: Mahikeng, Rustenburg
- Limpopo: Polokwane, Thohoyandou
- Mpumalanga: Nelspruit, Witbank
Sample Daily Load Shedding Schedule (City of Johannesburg)
Here’s how a typical Stage 4 day looks in Johannesburg under City Power’s jurisdiction:
| Block | Time Slot 1 | Time Slot 2 | Time Slot 3 | Area Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block 1 | 02:00–04:30 | 10:00–12:30 | 18:00–20:30 | Sandton, Bryanston |
| Block 2 | 04:00–06:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 20:00–22:30 | Roodepoort, Honeydew |
| Block 3 | 06:00–08:30 | 14:00–16:30 | 22:00–00:30 | Soweto, Lenasia |
| Block 4 | 08:00–10:30 | 16:00–18:30 | 00:00–02:30 | Midrand, Alexandra |
| Block 5 | 09:00–11:30 | 17:00–19:30 | 01:00–03:30 | Randburg, Parkhurst |
| Block 6 | 11:00–13:30 | 19:00–21:30 | 03:00–05:30 | Fourways, Chartwell |
| Block 7 | 13:00–15:30 | 21:00–23:30 | 05:00–07:30 | Melville, Northcliff |
| Block 8 | 15:00–17:30 | 23:00–01:30 | 07:00–09:30 | Edenvale, Germiston |
Key Safety Tips for Stage 4 Load Shedding
During load shedding, safety becomes a top concern—especially at night or during long hours of outages.
- Charge all devices before scheduled blackouts
- Use battery-powered lights and avoid candles
- Switch off all electrical appliances to prevent damage when power returns
- Keep emergency numbers accessible
- Avoid using elevators during scheduled outage hours
- Secure your property—alarm systems may be inactive
Backup Power Solutions to Consider
Many residents are now exploring backup options to ease the stress of blackouts.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for internet and lights
- Inverters with batteries (for appliances like fridges or routers)
- Portable generators (for extended usage)
- Solar power systems (long-term sustainable option)
Eskom’s Official Statements and Latest Warnings
Eskom has issued multiple statements on the challenges it faces, which include aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and fuel supply constraints.
- Over 19,000MW of capacity currently offline
- Emergency reserves (diesel and pumped storage) at critically low levels
- Maintenance backlogs worsening due to resource constraints
- No clear end date for Stage 4 or lower stages
- CEO Calib Cassim urges the public to reduce consumption immediately
Eskom’s Previous Performance Patterns
The following table shows how often Stage 4 and higher were implemented in the past year:
| Month | Stage 4 Days | Stage 6+ Days | Total Load Shedding Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 12 | 6 | 18 |
| February | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| March | 15 | 10 | 25 |
| April | 9 | 2 | 11 |
| May | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| June | 17 | 8 | 25 |
| July | 20 | 12 | 30 |
Departmental Contacts for Updates and Assistance
For any queries, schedule clarification, or complaint registrations, citizens can contact:
| Department | Contact Number | Email / Website | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Care | 08600 37566 | cs@eskom.co.za / www.eskom.co.za | Load shedding schedules, power fault reports |
| City Power Johannesburg | 0860 562 874 | customerservice@citypower.co.za | Municipal power updates, block schedules |
| Cape Town Electricity | 0800 220 440 | power@capetown.gov.za | Metro-specific electricity updates |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 13 13 111 | eservices@durban.gov.za | Durban area electricity complaints |
| NERSA (Energy Regulator) | 012 401 4600 | complaints@nersa.org.za | Report mismanagement or discrepancies |
Stage 4 load shedding is not just an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign of deeper energy challenges in South Africa. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take all necessary precautions to keep your household and community safe during this critical time.
FAQs of Stage 4 Load Shedding
Q1. How long will Stage 4 load shedding last this time?
It is uncertain, but Eskom has warned it could continue for at least 5–7 days depending on power station recovery.
Q2. Can my area experience more than 12 hours of outages under Stage 4?
Yes, overlapping schedules and unplanned outages may increase blackout time beyond 12 hours in some places.
Q3. How can I check my area’s blackout schedule?
You can visit the Eskom SePush app or your local municipality’s website for real-time schedules.
Q4. Are hospitals and emergency services affected?
Most hospitals are exempt or have backup power, but smaller clinics may be impacted temporarily.
Q5. What should I do if I face power cuts beyond the scheduled time?
Immediately report the issue to your local municipality or Eskom’s customer service to register the fault.