Load Shedding Stage 10 – In a move that has sparked both fear and frustration among South Africans, Eskom has officially confirmed the commencement of Stage 10 Load Shedding trials starting July 2025. For the first time in the country’s history, residents in selected areas will experience power outages that may exceed 12 hours in a single day, triggering serious concerns over business continuity, health services, and household functionality. The Department of Public Enterprises, in collaboration with Eskom, has identified 14 major cities and towns that will undergo these intensive blackouts as part of a structured trial to test national energy conservation measures. The plan comes amid persistent energy generation failures and increased winter power demand. This trial phase will impact millions, especially vulnerable populations reliant on electricity for heating, cooking, and medical needs. The decision to trial Stage 10 Load Shedding has been met with backlash from consumer advocacy groups, local municipalities, and business forums, all of whom claim that Eskom has failed to prepare citizens adequately or provide realistic alternatives. Despite the criticism, the state-owned power utility insists that the move is critical to preventing a total grid collapse during peak usage hours. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this trial will work, which cities will be affected, what residents can do to prepare, and what alternatives may be available in the coming weeks.
What is Load Shedding Stage 10 and Why It’s Being Tested
Stage 10 means that areas may experience up to 12-14 hours of power cuts per day, distributed in 2 to 4 hour blocks. This is the highest-ever scheduled stage of load shedding in South Africa.
- Stage 10 includes up to 20 load shedding blocks in a 24-hour cycle
- Load shedding will rotate every 2–3 hours
- Total daily blackout time may exceed 12 hours
- Implemented only in designated trial zones
- Aims to evaluate national consumption control
Eskom’s Statement on Load Shedding Stage 10 Trial
According to Eskom, the Stage 10 test is not a permanent solution but a stress test to evaluate infrastructure resilience and crisis handling.
- Eskom claims “preventative testing” will guide future national protocols
- Load management will rely on pre-assigned zone schedules
- Power will be prioritized to hospitals and water facilities
- Residents will receive 24-hour SMS alerts before scheduled outages
Full List of 14 Cities Affected by the Load Shedding Stage 10 Trial
Eskom has revealed the following cities will be included in the July 2025 Stage 10 trial phase. These regions were selected based on population density, infrastructure vulnerability, and regional demand.
| City/Town | Province | Avg Daily Cut | Scheduled Time Slots | High-Risk Areas Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Gauteng | 12 hours | 6:00–9:00, 12:00–15:00, 18:00–21:00 | Soweto, Midrand |
| Pretoria | Gauteng | 12 hours | 7:00–10:00, 13:00–16:00, 20:00–23:00 | Mamelodi, Centurion |
| Cape Town | Western Cape | 11 hours | 5:00–8:00, 14:00–17:00, 19:00–22:00 | Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain |
| Durban | KwaZulu-Natal | 12 hours | 6:00–9:00, 12:00–15:00, 18:00–21:00 | Umlazi, Phoenix |
| East London | Eastern Cape | 13 hours | 4:00–7:00, 13:00–16:00, 21:00–24:00 | Duncan Village |
| Bloemfontein | Free State | 11 hours | 6:00–9:00, 15:00–18:00, 20:00–23:00 | Heidedal, Rocklands |
| Polokwane | Limpopo | 12 hours | 5:00–8:00, 12:00–15:00, 19:00–22:00 | Seshego, Ivypark |
| Kimberley | Northern Cape | 11 hours | 6:00–9:00, 13:00–16:00, 20:00–23:00 | Galeshewe |
| Mbombela | Mpumalanga | 12 hours | 7:00–10:00, 14:00–17:00, 21:00–24:00 | White River, Mataffin |
| Mahikeng | North West | 13 hours | 4:00–7:00, 11:00–14:00, 18:00–21:00 | Montshiwa |
| Gqeberha (PE) | Eastern Cape | 12 hours | 6:00–9:00, 15:00–18:00, 21:00–24:00 | Zwide, Walmer |
| George | Western Cape | 11 hours | 7:00–10:00, 12:00–15:00, 18:00–21:00 | Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu |
| Rustenburg | North West | 12 hours | 5:00–8:00, 14:00–17:00, 20:00–23:00 | Boitekong, Tlhabane |
| Vereeniging | Gauteng | 11 hours | 6:00–9:00, 13:00–16:00, 19:00–22:00 | Sharpeville, Three Rivers |
Load Shedding Stage 10 – Cities at Extreme Risk of Grid Failure
A few regions have been marked as red zones due to their historical vulnerability to power infrastructure damage and high load demand.
| City | Reason for Risk | Eskom’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Outdated substation network | Fast-track grid upgrades ongoing |
| Durban | Overloaded circuits | Temporary alternate routing planned |
| East London | Limited repair facilities | Extra support teams dispatched |
| Polokwane | Heavy winter demand | Rolling buffer shifts introduced |
Impact of Load Shedding Stage 10 on Daily Life and Business
The expected outages will affect multiple sectors, from education to retail to emergency services.
Essential Sectors Likely to Be Hit Hardest
- Schools and colleges forced to close or shift to online classes
- Hospitals and clinics may face equipment failures despite backup
- Retail shops and restaurants reporting massive stock losses
- Water supply facilities in some towns may face low pressure or shutoff
Business Community Response to Stage 10 Trial
Local business forums across the 14 cities have voiced deep concern over the financial impact of extended power cuts.
| Sector | Key Impact | Response/Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Frozen goods spoilage | Use of diesel generators |
| Education | Digital classroom interruption | Mobile teaching platforms |
| Medical | Equipment shutdown risk | Power banks, battery swaps |
| Manufacturing | Halt in production lines | Daylight-only operations |
How to Prepare for Stage 10 Load Shedding in July
Residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures to avoid major disruption during this intense trial.
Basic Steps You Should Take Now
- Charge all devices fully before outage windows
- Stock up on gas stoves, candles, backup batteries
- Avoid food that requires refrigeration
- Pre-fill water bottles and bath tanks
- Arrange for battery-powered medical equipment if needed
Best Home Backup Options (Affordable)
| Backup Type | Price Range | Duration of Backup | Power Capacity (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inverter Battery Kits | R3,000–R8,000 | 3–5 hours | Lights + Wi-Fi |
| Solar Home Systems | R10,000–R25,000 | 6–8 hours | Lights, fridge, TV |
| Power Banks (Large) | R800–R2,500 | 2–4 hours | Phones + routers |
| Gas Stoves | R400–R1,200 | Not time-bound | Cooking only |
What Happens After the Stage 10 Trial Ends?
The load shedding trials are expected to last throughout July 2025, with a review scheduled in early August 2025.
Possible Outcomes After July Trial
- Nationwide roll-out of Stage 9 and 10 depending on effectiveness
- Return to Stage 6–8 if demand remains stable
- Feedback gathered from trial cities for further planning
- Eskom to publish final Stage 10 blueprint in September
Will My City Be Next?
If demand spikes, Eskom may expand the trial to include more cities by September, with new lists being announced monthly.
What Can Residents Expect Next?
- Improved mobile alert systems
- Advance 7-day schedule publishing
- More communication via municipalities and WhatsApp groups
Long-Term Plans to End Load Shedding
While short-term measures include load curtailment, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 aims to:
- Add 10,000MW of renewable power by 2027
- Upgrade 40 major substations by 2026
- Reduce reliance on aging coal plants
Despite the inconvenience, Eskom urges citizens to cooperate and consider this a necessary sacrifice for long-term energy stability. South Africans are reminded to remain informed, report power faults immediately, and stay connected through official channels to receive timely updates throughout this trial.
FAQs of Load Shedding Stage 10
1. Which cities are affected by Stage 10?
14 major cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria are part of the trial.
2. How many hours of power cut will there be daily?
Residents may face up to 12–14 hours of load shedding each day.
3. Will hospitals and clinics also lose electricity?
No, essential services like hospitals will receive backup and priority supply.
4. Is Stage 10 permanent?
No, it is a trial for July 2025 only to test grid response.
5. What can I do to prepare for long power cuts?
Charge all devices, store water, use inverters or solar kits, and keep food supplies ready.