Stage 6 Load Shedding – South Africans are bracing for yet another dark turn as Eskom has officially confirmed that Stage 6 load shedding will begin from July 3, 2025. This alarming development means residents, particularly in Gauteng and Limpopo, could face up to 10 hours of electricity outages daily. As the country battles with rising energy demands, failing infrastructure, and generation shortages, the warning comes as a massive blow to millions already struggling with frequent disruptions. Eskom’s announcement comes on the back of a sudden spike in breakdowns at key power stations and a significant delay in returning several units to service. With reservoirs of emergency reserves running critically low, the utility company says it has no choice but to implement higher stages of rotational load shedding. According to Eskom spokespersons, “There is a real possibility that Stage 6 could extend for several days or even weeks depending on demand pressure and plant performance.” Residents and business owners are once again left scrambling to make alternative arrangements. Industries are particularly hard-hit, with small enterprises and essential services expected to bear the brunt of the blackouts. Schools and hospitals in affected regions are working to put emergency power systems in place to prevent complete service disruptions. The Department of Public Enterprises and local municipalities are working closely with Eskom to mitigate the crisis. However, citizens are advised to reduce consumption wherever possible, keep mobile devices charged, and have backup lighting ready. Below is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the latest Stage 6 implementation, how it will impact you, and what you can do to prepare.
Eskom’s Stage 6 Load Shedding Crisis Explained
Eskom’s power crisis has escalated due to a combination of aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and rising power demand. Here’s what’s driving the current Stage 6 load shedding decision.
- Breakdown of more than 15,000 MW of generation capacity
- Delay in returning 5,000 MW of units to operation
- Depleted diesel and water reserves at Open Cycle Gas Turbines
- Insufficient coal quality and logistical failures
- Planned maintenance schedule disrupted
- Unseasonal cold wave causing demand spike
- Increased theft and vandalism of infrastructure
Stage 6 Load Shedding Stages and Impact Comparison
The table below outlines what each load shedding stage typically means in terms of outage hours and affected areas.
| Stage | Daily Outage Duration | Regions Affected | Impact on Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 hours | Rotating nationwide | Minimal |
| 2 | 4 hours | Rotating nationwide | Low |
| 3 | 6 hours | High-density regions | Moderate |
| 4 | 8 hours | Urban & rural areas | Major |
| 5 | 10 hours | National scope | Severe |
| 6 | Up to 10 hours | Gauteng, Limpopo | Extreme disruption |
| 7 | Up to 12 hours | All provinces | Critical |
| 8 | Over 12 hours | Nationwide | Grid instability risk |
Affected Regions and Timings from July 3
Residents across Gauteng and Limpopo will see scheduled blackouts multiple times a day. Here’s what’s expected from July 3.
- Johannesburg (3–4 blocks per day, 2 hours each)
- Pretoria (up to 4 outages per 24-hour cycle)
- Polokwane (up to 10 hours)
- Thohoyandou and Giyani (7–9 hours)
- Mamelodi and Tembisa (4–6 hours)
- Surrounding rural areas (10+ hours intermittently)
Eskom’s Official Daily Load Shedding Schedule
| City/Town | First Outage Slot | Second Slot | Third Slot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 05:00 – 07:00 | 13:00 – 15:00 | 21:00 – 23:00 | May vary by suburb |
| Pretoria | 04:00 – 06:30 | 12:30 – 15:00 | 20:30 – 22:30 | Confirm with City Power |
| Polokwane | 06:00 – 08:30 | 14:00 – 17:00 | 22:00 – 00:00 | Hospital zones may be exempt |
| Tzaneen | 03:30 – 06:00 | 12:00 – 14:30 | 19:00 – 21:30 | Load adjustment on weekends |
How Stage 6 Load Shedding Impacts Daily Life
This stage is not just inconvenient—it’s disruptive on multiple levels for homes, businesses, and public services.
- Home Users: Refrigerators, geysers, and home security systems go offline
- Medical Services: Clinics without generators may cancel appointments
- Education: Online learning and schools disrupted
- Public Transport: Signal failures and delays on electric lines
- Telecoms: Towers and Wi-Fi routers lose power without backup
- Retail: Card machines, cold storage, and lighting affected
Business Impact Across Sectors
| Sector | Primary Impact | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Sales drop due to outages | Backup generators & mobile POS |
| Manufacturing | Interrupted production lines | Shift rescheduling |
| Agriculture | Irrigation and cold chain breakdown | Diesel pumps & storage |
| Healthcare | Life-support systems at risk | Inverter/generator dependency |
| IT & Services | Server downtime and lost productivity | Cloud-based backups |
What Eskom Recommends for Households
Eskom is urging citizens to follow specific guidelines to reduce energy usage and stay safe during outages.
- Switch off all non-essential appliances
- Use gas for cooking if available
- Keep torches and batteries ready
- Charge all mobile and power bank devices in advance
- Avoid elevator use before load shedding slots
- Unplug devices to avoid voltage damage
Additional Household Safety Tips
- Don’t leave candles unattended
- Store drinking water in advance (for electric pump homes)
- Use surge protectors on TVs and fridges
- Have backup lighting like rechargeable bulbs or solar lamps
Government & Municipal Response Measures
Authorities are activating local disaster management plans and coordinating with Eskom.
- Deploying mobile generators to critical institutions
- Prioritizing power for hospitals and water facilities
- Updating real-time schedules on municipal websites
- Promoting bulk procurement of backup power units
- Rolling out SMS alert systems for schedule updates
Long-Term Solutions in Discussion
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Accelerated IPP Procurement | Private solar and wind energy deals |
| Grid Modernisation | Automation and smart load control systems |
| Renewable Expansion | Fast-tracked solar farms and battery storage |
| Infrastructure Repair | Refurbishing old coal-fired units |
| Demand-Side Management | Incentivizing industrial off-peak energy use |
If Stage 6 continues beyond July, Eskom may be forced to escalate to Stage 7, which could mean 12+ hours without power. Citizens are urged to stay informed, plan daily routines accordingly, and follow Eskom and municipal updates regularly.
While the crisis reflects deep-rooted issues in South Africa’s energy infrastructure, collaborative action between government, Eskom, and private players remains the only hope to reverse the darkness looming over the nation.
FAQs on Eskom Stage 6 Load Shedding
1. What is Stage 6 load shedding?
Stage 6 means up to 10 hours of scheduled power cuts per day in multiple blocks.
2. When does Stage 6 start?
It begins on July 3, 2025, and will continue until further notice from Eskom.
3. Which areas are most affected?
Gauteng and Limpopo will face the longest and most frequent outages.
4. Can hospitals be affected by power cuts?
Most major hospitals have backup systems and are usually exempt from full outages.
5. How can I check my local schedule?
Use the EskomSePush app or visit your municipality’s electricity schedule page.