Stage 6 Loadshedding – South Africans are once again bracing for intensified power outages as Eskom officially declares Stage 6 loadshedding for mid-August 2025. The announcement came amid heightened pressure on the national power grid, leaving citizens concerned over the impact of extended blackouts on homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools. Stage 6 loadshedding implies a significant reduction in electricity supply, with rolling blackouts occurring several times a day across various regions. This level of power cut means that electricity will be unavailable for nearly 6 to 8 hours daily in certain areas — creating disruptions in daily life, business operations, and public infrastructure. Eskom attributes this latest escalation to a combination of unplanned unit breakdowns, persistent generation capacity constraints, and a rise in electricity demand due to cold winter weather. Despite efforts to stabilize supply through diesel-run Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) and limited imports, the utility is struggling to meet demand. The affected time slots and area-wise blackout zones for this weekend have been officially released to allow residents to plan ahead. Authorities are urging all citizens to stay informed, minimize energy usage where possible, and follow regional schedules closely to avoid confusion. Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of the updated Stage 6 loadshedding timelines, affected zones, tips to manage during blackouts, and official contacts for regional Eskom support.
National Stage 6 Loadshedding Overview for August 2025
Eskom has declared a national implementation of Stage 6 loadshedding starting Friday, August 16, 2025, and continuing throughout the weekend. Here’s a quick snapshot of what this means:
- Six power cuts per day for many areas
- Each blackout lasting 2 to 4 hours
- Some regions may experience multiple blackouts across peak hours
- Increased impact on communication, retail, manufacturing, and transport sectors
National Time Slot Schedule: August 16–18, 2025 (Stage 6)
Below is Eskom’s provisional national loadshedding timetable. Times may vary slightly based on local municipalities.
| Day | Time Slot 1 | Time Slot 2 | Time Slot 3 | Time Slot 4 | Time Slot 5 | Time Slot 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 04:00–06:30 | 10:00–12:30 | 14:00–16:30 | 18:00–20:30 | 22:00–00:30 | 02:00–04:30 |
| Saturday | 05:00–07:30 | 09:00–11:30 | 13:00–15:30 | 17:00–19:30 | 21:00–23:30 | 01:00–03:30 |
| Sunday | 06:00–08:30 | 11:00–13:30 | 15:00–17:30 | 19:00–21:30 | 23:00–01:30 | 03:00–05:30 |
Major Regions Affected by Area-Wise Loadshedding
The following key regions will experience heavy blackouts during Stage 6 as per Eskom and local municipality coordination.
Metro-Wise Loadshedding Breakdown
This table outlines expected blackout blocks for key metros. All times are approximate.
| Metro | Block Numbers | Duration per Cut | Frequency per Day | Critical Impact Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Block 2, 7, 12 | 2.5–3 hours | 5–6 times | CBD, Soweto, Sandton |
| Cape Town | Block 4, 9 | 2–2.5 hours | 4–5 times | Mitchells Plain, Bellville |
| eThekwini (Durban) | Block 1, 6 | 2.5–3 hours | 5–6 times | Umlazi, Durban North |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | Block 3, 5 | 2.5–3 hours | 4–6 times | Centurion, Mamelodi |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | Block 8, 10 | 2 hours | 5–6 times | Motherwell, Uitenhage |
Tips to Prepare for Stage 6 Loadshedding at Home
Residents are encouraged to proactively prepare for long-duration blackouts to avoid inconvenience.
- Charge all essential electronics in advance
- Keep torches, power banks, and candles handy
- Prepare meals in advance or stock non-perishables
- Use gas or solar-powered appliances if available
- Unplug sensitive electronics during blackouts
- Install surge protectors to safeguard equipment
Impact on Schools, Hospitals, and Small Businesses
Stage 6 loadshedding is expected to hit public institutions and small businesses the hardest. Eskom has advised special measures for essential service sectors.
- Schools may adjust timings or shift to hybrid learning on blackout days
- Hospitals advised to switch to backup generators
- Clinics and pharmacies must ensure refrigeration of medicines
- Small retail shops expected to operate shorter hours
Businesses That May Be Affected Most
Industries likely to be disrupted due to outages include:
- Supermarkets and perishable goods vendors
- Telecom towers and mobile recharge services
- Petrol stations with limited generator access
- Online businesses relying on internet connectivity
How Loadshedding Impacts Different Provinces
While loadshedding is national, intensity and frequency vary by province depending on grid structure and generation proximity.
- Gauteng sees higher frequency due to urban density
- Western Cape manages better due to local energy initiatives
- Eastern Cape faces longer cuts due to infrastructure limitations
- Free State and North West experience 4–6 cuts daily
Eskom’s Official Statement and Public Advisory
Eskom has released a statement urging public cooperation during this crisis:
“We understand the frustration faced by South Africans. Stage 6 is a result of unavoidable technical failures combined with heightened winter demand. We urge all citizens to conserve electricity and rely on published schedules for safe planning.”
The utility further mentioned they are working on expedited maintenance and alternative procurement to bring back units quickly.
Departmental and Eskom Contact Details
For regional support, schedule updates, or complaint registration, contact the relevant offices below:
| Department/Municipality | Contact Number | Email/Website |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 0860 037 566 | cs@eskom.co.za |
| City of Johannesburg | 011 375 5555 | www.joburg.org.za |
| City of Cape Town | 0860 103 089 | electricity.faults@capetown.gov.za |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 131 3013 | electricity@durban.gov.za |
| Tshwane Municipality | 012 358 9999 | customercare@tshwane.gov.za |
| Nelson Mandela Bay Metro | 041 506 5555 | eservice@mandelametro.gov.za |
FAQs of Stage 6 Loadshedding
Q1. What is Stage 6 loadshedding exactly?
Stage 6 means up to six scheduled power cuts per day, each lasting 2–4 hours.
Q2. When will Stage 6 loadshedding start in August 2025?
Stage 6 begins on Friday, August 16, 2025, and will last through the weekend.
Q3. Can my area experience longer outages than scheduled?
Yes, some technical issues or maintenance may extend outages beyond the schedule.
Q4. Is there any relief planned for hospitals and essential services?
Yes, Eskom ensures backup generation support for hospitals and critical infrastructure.
Q5. Where can I check my area’s specific loadshedding schedule?
Visit your municipal website or EskomSePush app for real-time updates.