Load Shedding Stage 10 – South Africa is bracing for unprecedented power disruptions as Eskom officially declares the implementation of Load Shedding Stage 10 starting July 2025. This stage introduces up to 16 hours of daily blackouts, with nine provinces confirmed to be most severely impacted. The decision follows persistent energy shortfalls, aging infrastructure, and delayed maintenance projects, placing tremendous pressure on households, businesses, and essential services. Eskom’s latest announcement has sent shockwaves across the nation, with citizens and industries scrambling for backup solutions. While the utility claims the move is essential to avoid total grid collapse, many experts warn of the economic and social fallout this drastic measure may unleash. Stage 10 load shedding is not just a higher number — it marks a significant leap in blackout hours, forcing citizens to rethink how they live and work. The move has sparked outrage from civil society groups, with many questioning Eskom’s planning, transparency, and ability to secure long-term power stability. As businesses prepare for extended downtime and families brace for daily disruption, understanding what Stage 10 truly means has become critical. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect, who will be affected, and how to prepare.
What Is Load Shedding Stage 10?
Eskom’s Load Shedding Stage 10 is the most severe level ever introduced. It entails scheduled blackouts lasting up to 16 hours within a 24-hour cycle.
- Stage 10 is triggered when the national electricity demand far exceeds supply.
- It’s implemented to protect the national grid from total collapse.
- Households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and even water plants will face long downtimes.
- Each area can experience up to 4-8 outages per day.
- Critical infrastructure will also have limited exemptions now.
- Backups like solar power and generators will be key for survival.
- Eskom will update schedules daily to manage changing conditions.
Key Load Shedding Hours During Stage 10
Below is a sample breakdown of blackout hours per shift as shared by local municipalities:
| Time Block | Power Status | Expected Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 – 04:00 | No Power | 4 Hours | Midnight disruption |
| 04:00 – 08:00 | Power Available | 4 Hours | Charging window |
| 08:00 – 12:00 | No Power | 4 Hours | Morning shutdown |
| 12:00 – 14:00 | Power Available | 2 Hours | Lunch recovery period |
| 14:00 – 18:00 | No Power | 4 Hours | Evening blackout |
| 18:00 – 20:00 | Power Available | 2 Hours | Limited lighting |
| 20:00 – 24:00 | No Power | 4 Hours | Night disruption returns |
| Total Per Day | Partial Supply | 8 Hours Only | 16 Hours Blackout |
Which Provinces Will Face The Worst Load Shedding Stage 10?
Eskom has released a list of 9 provinces that will bear the brunt of Stage 10 due to high energy usage and poor local grid resilience.
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Limpopo
- North West
- Mpumalanga
- Free State
- Northern Cape
Top 5 Municipalities With Most Load Shedding Stage 10
These cities are expected to receive the most severe cuts, based on Eskom’s risk assessment:
| Municipality | Estimated Daily Blackout (Hours) | Back-up Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 16 | Low |
| Cape Town | 14 | Moderate |
| Durban | 16 | Low |
| Polokwane | 15 | Very Low |
| Bloemfontein | 15 | Moderate |
What Eskom Is Saying About the Load Shedding Stage 10
Eskom maintains that the move to Stage 10 is a temporary emergency measure, but acknowledges deep-rooted problems.
- The power crisis is due to aging coal plants with breakdowns.
- Emergency diesel reserves are nearly depleted.
- Grid collapse is a real threat without aggressive load reduction.
- More than 45% of generation capacity is offline.
- Renewable integration and private producers are still lagging.
Government’s Response and Blame Game
The national government has come under fire for failing to implement long-term solutions.
- Critics blame poor investment in new energy sources.
- Delayed repairs and maintenance cycles added to the crisis.
- National Energy Crisis Committee claims relief will come by 2026.
- Load Shedding Minister announced R50 billion in new funding.
How Can Residents and Businesses Prepare for Stage 10?
It is critical to adopt personal power-saving plans and invest in off-grid alternatives.
- Install solar panels and inverters where possible.
- Stock up on power banks, candles, and battery lamps.
- Workplaces should adopt staggered shifts or remote work options.
- Keep phones and emergency lights charged at all times.
- Use gas for cooking and heating water.
- Avoid opening freezers or fridges during outages.
Smart Devices That Help During Load Shedding
Some affordable and useful tech that can help households during blackouts:
| Device Type | Price Range | Backup Time | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Lanterns | R200 – R500 | 6-8 hours | Online/Local |
| Power Banks (20k mAh) | R300 – R800 | 1-2 charges | Retail Stores |
| Mini Inverters | R1,500 – R4,000 | 4-6 hours | Hardware Shops |
| Gas Geysers | R3,000 – R7,000 | Continuous | Major Retailers |
| UPS for WiFi Routers | R800 – R1,500 | 4-5 hours | Tech Stores |
| Rechargeable Fans | R600 – R1,200 | 5-6 hours | Online Retailers |
Impact on Schools, Hospitals and Emergency Services
The broader social impact of Stage 10 is causing national concern, especially on services that require uninterrupted power.
- Government hospitals may run on diesel generators.
- Rural clinics risk full closure during blackout windows.
- Public schools are rescheduling classes or using hybrid learning.
- Fire and police stations are prioritizing limited fuel and backup.
- Food security programs and water pumping stations will struggle.
NGO and Community Support Programs Underway
To cope with the crisis, multiple local groups and NGOs have stepped in.
- Free solar light donations in rural provinces.
- Mobile charging vans in urban slums.
- Emergency food and water supply drops.
- Churches and mosques offering community shelters.
Small Businesses and Economic Fallout
Small and informal businesses are hit hardest by long power cuts.
- Township shops are seeing frozen stock go bad daily.
- Home-run services (like tailoring, baking) are shutting down.
- WiFi cafes and internet-dependent setups are collapsing.
- Tourism bookings in high-load areas are dropping sharply.
| Sector Affected | Average Daily Loss (R) | Staff Impact | Recovery Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Shops | R2,500 – R7,000 | 2–5 jobs lost | Uncertain |
| Hospitality | R10,000+ | High turnover | Low Recovery |
| Food Delivery | R1,500 – R3,500 | Delays, refunds | Medium |
| Home Services | R1,000 – R2,500 | Business halt | Very Low |
South Africans must prepare for a challenging winter, with Stage 10 load shedding demanding unprecedented levels of resilience. Whether through personal planning, tech solutions, or community support, adapting to this crisis will require urgent and united action.
FAQs of Load Shedding Stage 10
Q1: What is the total blackout time per day during Stage 10?
A: Households can face up to 16 hours without electricity in 24 hours.
Q2: How long will Stage 10 last?
A: Eskom has not confirmed an end date; it depends on supply improvement.
Q3: Can solar panels and inverters help during Stage 10?
A: Yes, they provide limited but essential power for lighting, charging, and small appliances.
Q4: Will all provinces experience the same blackout hours?
A: No, the schedule varies by municipality, but all 9 key provinces face major cuts.
Q5: Can businesses claim compensation for losses due to load shedding?
A: Currently, there’s no official compensation program from Eskom or the government.