Stage 6 Load Shedding – South Africa is once again grappling with deep energy woes as Eskom reintroduces Stage 6 load shedding in June 2025. This latest escalation in power cuts marks yet another chapter in the ongoing electricity crisis affecting households, businesses, and essential services nationwide. With power outages now lasting up to 10 hours a day in some regions, public frustration has reached a boiling point. Eskom has blamed a mix of aging infrastructure, high winter demand, and urgent maintenance issues at key power stations for the collapse in supply. This resurgence of high-level blackouts is taking a severe toll on economic productivity and public morale. The national government has come under intense pressure, leading to an emotional public apology from the Minister of Electricity, who admitted that current energy planning had failed to prevent this crisis. Citizens are now demanding transparency, accountability, and swift action to prevent the worsening of this critical situation. In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know: the Stage 6 load shedding schedule, blackout durations, municipal implementation patterns, the government’s emergency response, Eskom’s latest updates, and what South Africans can realistically expect over the coming months.
What Does Stage 6 Load Shedding Mean for You?
Stage 6 load shedding results in at least six power cuts per day, sometimes lasting up to 4.5 hours at a time. This can result in nearly 10 hours of no electricity in a single 24-hour cycle.
- Up to 6 planned outages per area, per day
- 2 to 4.5 hours of each blackout
- Blackouts repeated every 3–4 hours
- Increased risk of unplanned outages due to grid overload
- Mobile networks and water pumps disrupted
- Emergency services stretched to capacity
Updated Stage 6 Load Shedding Schedule – June 2025
Below is an approximate nationwide blackout timetable based on municipal alerts. This schedule may vary by region and utility provider.
Area/Region | Power Cut Frequency | Time Slot Example 1 | Time Slot Example 2 | Duration Each |
---|---|---|---|---|
Johannesburg (City Power) | 6 times/day | 00:00 – 02:30 | 16:00 – 18:30 | 2.5 hours |
Cape Town | 5–6 times/day | 04:00 – 06:30 | 20:00 – 22:30 | 2.5 hours |
Tshwane (Pretoria) | 6 times/day | 06:00 – 08:30 | 18:00 – 20:30 | 2.5 hours |
Durban (eThekwini) | 6 times/day | 01:00 – 03:30 | 17:00 – 19:30 | 2.5 hours |
Nelson Mandela Bay | 5–6 times/day | 03:00 – 05:30 | 19:00 – 21:30 | 2.5 hours |
Polokwane | 6 times/day | 05:00 – 07:30 | 21:00 – 23:30 | 2.5 hours |
Bloemfontein | 5 times/day | 02:00 – 04:30 | 15:00 – 17:30 | 2.5 hours |
Rural Areas | 4–6 times/day | Unpredictable | Unpredictable | 2–4.5 hours |
How Stage 6 Load Shedding Impacts Daily Life and Safety
Constant blackouts are more than an inconvenience—they disrupt every aspect of daily life. Here’s how communities are affected:
- Children’s schooling disrupted due to online learning difficulties
- Hospitals struggling to maintain power for critical equipment
- Small businesses incurring heavy losses due to refrigeration failures
- Commuters face risks due to traffic light failures and reduced public transport safety
- Crime rates surge in darkness-prone neighborhoods
- Water supply interruptions from pump station blackouts
Eskom’s Reasons for Escalating to Stage 6 Load Shedding in June 2025
Eskom officials have cited several key reasons behind the jump to Stage 6 load shedding:
- Breakdowns at major power stations, including Medupi and Kusile
- Delayed return to service of critical generating units
- Cold winter conditions increasing residential electricity demand
- Coal supply logistics issues affecting station operations
- Sabotage and theft targeting Eskom infrastructure
Minister of Electricity’s Apology and Latest Government Response
In a nationally televised address, the Minister of Electricity issued a direct apology to all South Africans.
- “We let the public down,” he stated.
- Emergency procurement of diesel for backup generation announced
- New contracts fast-tracked for renewable and private generation
- Load shedding exemption applications to be reopened for hospitals and clinics
- Military assistance requested for Eskom infrastructure protection
What Can Households Do During Stage 6 Load Shedding Blackouts?
To manage long power cuts, here are practical tips for households and small businesses:
- Keep power banks and solar lights charged
- Fill up water bottles and store in fridge in advance
- Use gas stoves for cooking where possible
- Disconnect appliances to protect against power surges
- Use generator or inverter backups wisely
- Keep emergency contact numbers printed and visible
Load Shedding Exemptions and Priority Zones
Certain areas remain exempt or semi-exempt from the most severe blackouts due to critical infrastructure.
Common Exempt Zones Include:
- Hospitals and emergency clinics
- Major telecommunications towers
- Airports and border control zones
- Strategic military or law enforcement hubs
- Some major water pumping and purification stations
However, exemptions are not consistent across provinces and may change without notice based on system stability.
Alternative Power Solutions During Prolonged Outages
Citizens are increasingly turning to off-grid options to cope with unreliable electricity supply. Here’s what’s trending:
Most Used Alternatives in 2025:
Power Source | Avg. Cost (ZAR) | Usage Duration | Suitability |
---|---|---|---|
Solar + Inverter Kit | R35,000 – R90,000 | 6–10 hours/day | Full home/backups |
Petrol Generator | R6,000 – R15,000 | 2–6 hours/day | Emergency use only |
Lithium Battery UPS | R3,000 – R7,500 | 3–8 hours for WiFi | Home office/backups |
Power Banks (Large) | R1,000 – R2,500 | Phones + LED lights | Daily use |
Gas Geysers/Stoves | R1,500 – R3,000 | Unlimited | Cooking + Hot Water |
How Long Will Stage 6 Load Shedding Continue?
While Eskom has not given a final date, Stage 6 is expected to remain in place for at least 3–4 weeks, depending on the restoration of major power stations and weather conditions.
- July 2025 could see Stage 4 or Stage 5 if breakdowns ease
- Government aims for August reduction through diesel, renewables
- Emergency contracts may only stabilize supply by September
South Africans are once again navigating the darkness—literally and figuratively. While frustration grows, Eskom and the government have a narrow window to win back public trust and bring the grid back to some sense of stability. Until then, households are bracing themselves and adapting in any way they can. Citizens are urged to stay informed, use electricity wisely during on-periods, and prepare for possible extended outages as the nation works through one of its worst power crises in recent memory.
FAQs of Stage 6 Load Shedding
Q1: Will Stage 6 affect all provinces the same way?
No, each municipality applies load shedding differently. Some areas may face worse outages than others due to local infrastructure capacity.
Q2: Can businesses apply for exemption from load shedding?
Only critical services like medical facilities can apply for exemption. General businesses are not eligible under current Eskom regulations.
Q3: Will power bills be reduced due to load shedding?
No, consumers pay based on actual usage. However, many report damaged appliances and higher alternative power costs.
Q4: Are schools being affected by the current Stage 6 schedule?
Yes, especially those relying on digital tools and electric lighting. Some have returned to printed handouts and adjusted class times.
Q5: Is it safe to use gas or generators indoors?
No. Always use generators and gas equipment in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.