Stage 6 Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing for intensified electricity disruptions as Eskom confirms the return of Stage 6 load shedding this week. With the national grid under extreme pressure due to multiple unit breakdowns and depleted emergency reserves, residents across the country are set to face longer and more frequent power cuts. Stage 6 load shedding means up to six power outages per day, each lasting between 2 to 4 hours, drastically affecting households, schools, healthcare, and businesses. Eskom’s emergency briefing warned that the cuts are necessary to prevent a total grid collapse, but the impact will be severe. The announcement comes amid rising public frustration and concerns about the sustainability of Eskom’s crisis management strategy. Citizens are now being urged to conserve electricity, prepare for scheduled outages, and adopt safety measures to manage through the blackout hours. This article outlines the official Stage 6 load shedding schedule, affected regions, power outage tips, survival strategies, and answers to key questions from the public.
What Is Stage 6 Load Shedding and Why Is It Back?
Stage 6 load shedding is a critical level where Eskom removes around 6,000MW of demand from the national grid through scheduled power cuts.
- Triggered by multiple power station breakdowns
- Limited diesel and water reserves for backup power
- Increased winter electricity demand
- Maintenance backlog from previous stages
- National grid stability threatened
Stage 6 Load Shedding – How It Compares to Lower Stages
Stage 6 is significantly more disruptive than Stage 4 or 5:
- Up to 6 outages per area daily
- Each outage may last 2–4 hours
- Power off for up to 10 hours in a 24-hour cycle
- Larger geographical areas affected simultaneously
Full Weekly Stage 6 Load Shedding Schedule by Region
Here is the Stage 6 daily power cut schedule for key metro areas. Always cross-check with your municipality or EskomSePush app.
| City/Region | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 | 00:00–02:30, 08:00–10:30, 16:00–18:30 | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 |
| Cape Town | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 | 07:00–09:30, 15:00–17:30, 23:00–01:30 | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 | 07:00–09:30, 15:00–17:30, 23:00–01:30 |
| Durban | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 | 00:00–02:30, 08:00–10:30, 16:00–18:30 | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 |
| Pretoria | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 | 07:00–09:30, 15:00–17:30, 23:00–01:30 | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 |
Key Stage 6 Load Shedding Apps and Tools
To track load shedding live, consider these tools:
- EskomSePush (most popular app)
- Gridwatch
- Municipal power schedules
- City of Cape Town electricity updates
- Eskom’s official website and Twitter
Essential Stage 6 Load Shedding Survival Tips for Families and Businesses
Navigating Stage 6 load shedding requires preparation and awareness. Follow these tips to minimize inconvenience and stay safe.
- Charge phones, power banks, and UPS devices in advance
- Keep rechargeable lights and candles ready
- Avoid opening freezers during outages
- Invest in a small gas stove or kettle
- Schedule work calls around outage times
- Use solar lights or battery-operated bulbs
Tips for Small Business Owners
Stage 6 can drastically affect business operations. Consider:
- Renting or buying a generator/inverter system
- Using cloud-based tools for remote access
- Communicating new business hours to customers
- Offering mobile payment options to avoid network disruptions
Safety Measures During Load Shedding Hours
Power outages increase the risk of accidents, fire hazards, and crime. Always be prepared with basic safety guidelines.
- Turn off sensitive appliances before the power returns
- Store flashlights where everyone can access them
- Keep cash for emergencies due to ATM issues
- Use anti-theft security systems that work without power
- Install surge protectors to avoid appliance damage
Medical and Elderly Care Safety
Families with medical equipment or elderly individuals must:
- Have backup oxygen, battery monitors, or nebulizers
- Keep emergency contact lists nearby
- Use thermal blankets and stock up on water
- Consider backup power for essential health devices
List of Provinces Facing Extended Outages This Week
Here’s a snapshot of the most affected provinces based on Eskom’s latest update.
| Province | Daily Outage Hours | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 8–10 hours | High-density suburbs face extra cuts |
| Western Cape | 6–9 hours | Cape Town partially shielded by Munic |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 9–11 hours | Durban hit by infrastructure strain |
| Eastern Cape | 7–10 hours | Rolling outages across rural areas |
| Limpopo | 8–12 hours | Grid overloaded in Polokwane region |
| Mpumalanga | 9–10 hours | Several transformer failures reported |
| North West | 7–9 hours | Multiple unplanned outages |
What Eskom Says About Load Shedding Recovery Timeline
Eskom has not confirmed a clear end date for Stage 6 but provided insight into efforts being made:
- Technicians working to restore 5 major generating units
- Additional diesel procurement underway
- Public appeals to reduce peak-time consumption
- Demand-side management plans being implemented
Government Response to the Crisis
Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan addressed Parliament stating:
- Eskom will receive urgent support to repair infrastructure
- Emergency funding requests have been submitted
- Independent power producers being fast-tracked
Municipal Load Shedding Mismanagement
Some cities have reported irregular implementation:
- Load shedding exceeding scheduled time slots
- Poor communication from municipalities
- Certain suburbs skipped while others face extended outages
Residents are advised to report discrepancies and demand updated schedules via ward councillors or local offices.
Impact on Schools and Hospitals
Educational institutions and clinics are operating on limited resources:
- Schools adjusting exam timetables
- Hospitals relying on diesel generators
- Mobile clinics disrupted in rural zones
Please contact local health or education authorities for specific operating hours.
Load shedding in South Africa continues to expose deep cracks in national energy management. While Eskom and government efforts are ongoing, residents must brace for longer disruptions and plan ahead to stay safe and productive. Follow official updates, use energy wisely, and prepare your home or business to withstand the dark days ahead.
FAQs of Stage 6 Load Shedding
Q1: How long will Stage 6 last?
There’s no official end date. Eskom says it depends on unit recovery and grid stabilization.
Q2: Will we go to Stage 8?
Eskom hasn’t ruled it out. If more breakdowns happen, Stage 8 is possible.
Q3: Can prepaid meters run during outages?
Yes, but tokens must be bought and loaded before outages.
Q4: Why is Cape Town less affected?
City of Cape Town uses its own hydro and solar power for limited relief.
Q5: Can inverters power fridges?
Only high-capacity inverters can handle fridge loads. Basic ones can’t.