Stage 6 Loadshedding – South Africans are bracing for another dark weekend as Eskom has confirmed the return of Stage 6 Loadshedding starting this Saturday. With the national grid once again under immense pressure due to generation constraints and unplanned breakdowns at multiple power stations, the power utility says Stage 6 will continue “until further notice.” This latest round of severe power cuts comes after a short-lived reprieve that saw lower stages implemented earlier in the month. Eskom stated in its Friday evening update that the increase in loadshedding was necessary due to the loss of over 18,000MW of generation capacity, much of which is attributed to breakdowns at major power plants including Medupi, Tutuka, and Kusile. While emergency reserves have been utilized to keep lower stages in place, these resources have now been depleted. For many households and businesses, the return to Stage 6 Loadshedding means up to six power outages per day, lasting between two and four hours at a time. Essential services, including hospitals, telecommunications, and schools, will once again face major operational challenges. Businesses, especially small enterprises without backup generators, are expected to suffer significant financial losses. This announcement has drawn widespread frustration from citizens and business owners alike, with many calling for greater transparency, better maintenance planning, and faster implementation of alternative energy solutions. The weekend ahead will see rotating blackouts across all provinces, and Eskom has urged the public to reduce electricity usage immediately. Consumers are also advised to check their local municipality’s schedule, as times and stages may vary by region. Let’s look into the full details of the loadshedding status, affected areas, schedules, tips to cope, and who to contact if you need assistance during this critical power crisis.
Stage 6 Loadshedding Confirmed – Key Facts to Know
The announcement came with several important points that South Africans must keep in mind over the weekend and the coming weeks.
- Stage 6 Loadshedding will be implemented from Saturday 5:00 AM until further notice
- Eskom cites loss of over 18,000MW due to generation unit breakdowns
- Diesel reserves for open-cycle gas turbines are critically low
- Power cuts will occur 6 times per day, averaging 2-4 hours per outage
- Businesses and schools are urged to implement contingency plans
- Loadshedding schedules will vary per municipality – check local updates
- Medical facilities may experience disruptions unless on exempted lists
- Telecommunication towers may also experience downtime
Full Stage 6 Loadshedding Schedule for Major Cities (27–28 July)
Below is the updated loadshedding schedule for Stage 6 across major metros. Please note: times may differ by suburb.
| City | Saturday Power Off Times | Sunday Power Off Times | Number of Daily Outages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Cape Town | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 3 |
| Durban | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 | 3 |
| Pretoria | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 3 |
| Bloemfontein | 07:00–09:30, 15:00–17:30, 23:00–01:30 | 05:00–07:30, 13:00–15:30, 21:00–23:30 | 3 |
| Port Elizabeth | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 | 06:00–08:30, 14:00–16:30, 22:00–00:30 | 3 |
| Polokwane | 04:00–06:30, 12:00–14:30, 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30, 10:00–12:30, 18:00–20:30 | 3 |
| Kimberley | 03:00–05:30, 11:00–13:30, 19:00–21:30 | 01:00–03:30, 09:00–11:30, 17:00–19:30 | 3 |
Areas Most Affected by Stage 6 Loadshedding This Weekend
Certain regions are expected to face more frequent or longer power outages due to infrastructure limitations or higher demand.
- High-density urban suburbs with limited substation capacity
- Informal settlements lacking stable grid access
- Rural towns served by single-line supply networks
- Provinces experiencing cold fronts (increased heating demand)
- Industrial hubs with non-compliant backup generation
Eskom’s Official Reasons Behind Stage 6 Loadshedding
Eskom has listed several core issues contributing to the power crisis, reflecting both short-term breakdowns and long-term neglect.
- Breakdown of 7 units at Medupi, Tutuka, and Kusile stations
- Depletion of diesel reserves for gas turbines
- Delays in returning 5 key units from planned maintenance
- Higher-than-normal winter demand during peak hours
- Limited procurement of renewable emergency capacity
What Citizens Can Do During Stage 6 Loadshedding
Here are steps every household can take to minimize impact and ensure basic functionality during blackouts:
- Charge all essential electronics during power-on hours
- Keep backup torches or LED lights in key areas of the home
- Unplug appliances before load shedding to avoid surge damage
- Use gas stoves, solar lights, or inverters if available
- Print out or save loadshedding schedules offline
- Limit use of geysers and heaters to conserve energy
Impact on Businesses and Schools
The economic impact of Stage 6 is severe. Businesses and educational institutions are feeling the brunt of outages with reduced operating hours and productivity.
- Small retailers and informal traders face income drops of up to 70%
- Schools report disruptions in exam timetables and e-learning
- Internet downtime halts remote work and admin systems
- Cold chain logistics suffer losses from refrigerator downtime
- Factories with no diesel backup are suspending shifts
Support from Local Municipalities and Government Agencies
While national relief is limited, some municipalities are deploying emergency support to vulnerable areas.
- Johannesburg and Cape Town metros have activated mobile generator support for critical services
- Some towns are prioritizing water pumps and clinics for exemption
- Local disaster management units are on standby for emergencies
Departmental Contact Details for Loadshedding Assistance
Here are the key government and Eskom contacts to report issues or seek help:
| Department / Entity | Contact Number | Email Address | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 08600 37566 | [email protected] | Fault reporting, outage confirmation |
| City Power Johannesburg | 0860 562 874 | [email protected] | Johannesburg area faults |
| Cape Town Electricity | 0860 103 089 | [email protected] | Schedule and reporting |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 1313 111 | [email protected] | Durban outage support |
| Department of Energy SA | 012 406 7484 | [email protected] | Energy queries and complaints |
| National Energy Regulator | 012 401 4600 | [email protected] | Loadshedding-related disputes |
Loadshedding Stage Comparison Table – Know What Each Stage Means
Understanding what each stage of loadshedding entails helps you plan better:
| Loadshedding Stage | Outages per Day | Duration per Outage | Total Daily Power Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 1–2 | ±2 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Stage 2 | 2–3 | ±2 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Stage 3 | 3–4 | ±2 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Stage 4 | 4–5 | ±2.5 hours | 8–10 hours |
| Stage 5 | 5–6 | ±2.5–3 hours | 10–12 hours |
| Stage 6 | 6+ | ±3 hours | 12–14 hours |
| Stage 7–8 (Rare) | 7–8 | ±3+ hours | 14–16+ hours |
As Eskom continues to battle aging infrastructure and tight fuel supplies, South Africans are urged to remain vigilant, conserve energy where possible, and stay updated with their local power schedules. Backup plans, solar alternatives, and open communication with municipalities remain essential tools during this crisis. Keep checking EskomSePush or your city council’s official channels for latest updates.
FAQs of Stage 6 Loadshedding
Q1: How long will Stage 6 Loadshedding last?
It will remain in place until Eskom recovers generation capacity – no confirmed end date yet.
Q2: Are schools and hospitals exempt?
Some critical services like hospitals may be exempt, but most schools are affected.
Q3: Can I claim damages for appliances damaged during loadshedding?
Only if negligence by the municipality is proven – you may contact your insurer or municipality.
Q4: Which app shows the most accurate loadshedding schedule?
EskomSePush is currently the most widely used and reliable app.
Q5: Why doesn’t Eskom prevent Stage 6 with better planning?
Breakdowns are unpredictable and compounded by years of under-investment and maintenance backlogs.