Stage 4 Load Shedding – South Africa is once again bracing for widespread power outages as Eskom has reintroduced Stage 4 load shedding across the country. Starting this week, millions of households and businesses will face extended blackouts due to Eskom’s inability to meet national power demand. The crisis, fueled by unplanned breakdowns and insufficient generating capacity, is expected to cause serious disruptions to daily life. This announcement follows a string of breakdowns at key generating units and continued diesel shortages, which have left the grid vulnerable. Load shedding has become a norm in recent years, but the sudden jump back to Stage 4 has alarmed citizens who had hoped for more stability following recent interventions. As always, Eskom has urged South Africans to conserve electricity wherever possible, including during off-peak hours. But for many, this recurring power crisis raises concerns about long-term energy sustainability and the impact on industries, education, healthcare, and small businesses. Below is everything you need to know about this week’s Stage 4 load shedding, including schedules, city-wise breakdowns, departmental contacts, and key tips to stay prepared.
What Is Stage 4 Load Shedding and Why Is It Back?
Stage 4 load shedding means up to 4000 MW of electricity is shed from the national grid, leading to scheduled power cuts 3 to 4 times a day for 2 hours each.
- Caused by breakdowns at 6 major power stations
- Diesel reserves at critical levels
- Coal supply chain facing transport issues
- Increased demand due to colder weather
- Maintenance backlog from earlier stages
Full Load Shedding Schedule for Major Cities – This Week
Eskom and municipal suppliers have released an updated load shedding schedule. The table below outlines the timing for major metros.
Stage 4 Load Shedding Schedule – Gauteng (Including Johannesburg and Pretoria)
| Area | Morning Slot | Afternoon Slot | Evening Slot | Late Night Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg North | 06:00–08:00 | 12:00–14:30 | 18:00–20:30 | 00:00–02:30 |
| Soweto | 08:00–10:30 | 14:30–17:00 | 20:30–23:00 | 02:30–05:00 |
| Pretoria Central | 06:00–08:30 | 12:30–15:00 | 18:30–21:00 | 00:30–03:00 |
| Midrand | 09:00–11:30 | 15:30–18:00 | 21:00–23:30 | 03:30–06:00 |
| Sandton | 07:00–09:30 | 13:00–15:30 | 19:00–21:30 | 01:00–03:30 |
| Centurion | 08:30–11:00 | 14:30–17:00 | 20:30–23:00 | 02:30–05:00 |
| Roodepoort | 06:30–09:00 | 12:30–15:00 | 18:30–21:00 | 00:30–03:00 |
| East Rand | 07:30–10:00 | 13:30–16:00 | 19:30–22:00 | 01:30–04:00 |
Stage 4 Load Shedding Schedule – Cape Town & Surrounding Areas
| Area | Morning Slot | Afternoon Slot | Evening Slot | Late Night Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town Central | 05:00–07:30 | 11:00–13:30 | 17:00–19:30 | 23:00–01:30 |
| Bellville | 06:30–09:00 | 12:30–15:00 | 18:30–21:00 | 00:30–03:00 |
| Mitchells Plain | 07:00–09:30 | 13:00–15:30 | 19:00–21:30 | 01:00–03:30 |
| Durbanville | 05:30–08:00 | 11:30–14:00 | 17:30–20:00 | 23:30–02:00 |
| Somerset West | 08:00–10:30 | 14:00–16:30 | 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30 |
| Khayelitsha | 06:00–08:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 18:00–20:30 | 00:00–02:30 |
| Paarl | 07:30–10:00 | 13:30–16:00 | 19:30–22:00 | 01:30–04:00 |
| Stellenbosch | 06:30–09:00 | 12:30–15:00 | 18:30–21:00 | 00:30–03:00 |
How Stage 4 Affects Daily Life and Services
From schools to clinics, the impact of power cuts is felt deeply across all sectors.
- Traffic lights go out, increasing accident risks
- Small businesses face equipment downtime
- Students struggle to study during outages
- Hospitals activate costly backup systems
- Water pumping systems may be disrupted
- Cold storage failures affect food safety
Load Shedding and the Economic Toll
The recurring power outages are draining South Africa’s economy.
- Estimated daily loss: R1.2 billion
- Retail and hospitality suffer sharp revenue drops
- Job losses in manufacturing and construction
- Increase in generator and fuel costs
- Delayed public infrastructure projects
Tips to Stay Safe and Prepared During Stage 4 Load Shedding
Eskom recommends households and businesses take proactive steps during outages.
- Keep devices fully charged during powered hours
- Use LED lanterns or rechargeable lights
- Avoid using lifts/elevators during load shedding windows
- Backup food with cooler boxes and ice packs
- Unplug sensitive electronics during blackouts
- Print/load schedules for easy access
- Download the EskomSePush app for updates
Backup Power Options for Homes and Businesses
Depending on your budget and location, various solutions can minimize disruption.
- Inverter + battery combo (4–8 hours backup)
- Small generator (2kW–5kW) for essentials
- Solar UPS for light + device charging
- Power banks (20,000 mAh or higher)
- Gas cooking appliances during outages
Eskom’s Response and Emergency Measures
Eskom has promised short-term stabilization plans, but delays continue.
Departmental Plans Announced This Week
| Department | Intervention | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | Fast-tracking renewable integration | Pending approval |
| Eskom | Hiring new technical teams | In progress |
| Treasury | Releasing funds for diesel procurement | Awaiting release |
| Public Enterprises | Review of aging power station upgrades | Under consultation |
| Local Municipalities | Coordinating backup supply for hospitals | Emergency mode |
| Department of Transport | Traffic signal battery funding | Rolling out |
| Education Department | Generator supply to schools | Announced |
| Health Department | Prioritizing clinics for uninterrupted power | Ongoing |
Departmental Contact Details for Load Shedding Queries
Citizens can reach out to respective departments for complaints or help.
| Department | Helpline Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 0860 037 566 | customerservices@eskom.co.za |
| City Power Johannesburg | 011 490 7484 | faults@citypower.co.za |
| Western Cape Eskom Desk | 021 469 0236 | westerncape@eskom.co.za |
| Department of Energy | 012 406 7500 | info@energy.gov.za |
| Department of Transport | 012 309 3000 | hotline@dot.gov.za |
| Gauteng Provincial Gov. | 0800 228 827 | support@gauteng.gov.za |
| National Treasury | 012 315 5111 | info@treasury.gov.za |
| Health Department | 012 395 8000 | contact@health.gov.za |
As the power crisis deepens, South Africans are urged to stay informed and prepared. With no permanent fix in sight, backup planning and energy conservation remain the best tools for coping with load shedding.
FAQs of Stage 4 Load Shedding
Q1. What is Stage 4 load shedding?
A: Stage 4 load shedding removes up to 4000 MW from the grid, leading to 3–4 daily power cuts.
Q2. How long does each outage last?
A: Usually 2 to 2.5 hours, but may vary by region and local utility provider.
Q3. How can I check my area’s schedule?
A: Use the EskomSePush app or check your municipality’s official website.
Q4. Can load shedding damage my appliances?
A: Yes, frequent power fluctuations can damage electronics. Use surge protectors and unplug during cuts.
Q5. Will Stage 4 last all week?
A: Eskom has warned that Stage 4 may continue until breakdowns are resolved. Daily updates will be shared.