Stage 6 Loadshedding – South Africans are once again bracing for dark days as Eskom has confirmed the return of Stage 6 loadshedding starting this weekend. After a brief period of stability in the power grid, rising demand, cold weather conditions, and ongoing issues at several power stations have forced the utility to implement severe electricity cuts. The return of Stage 6 means residents will face power outages up to six times a day, disrupting homes, businesses, and essential services. Eskom’s announcement comes at a critical time, just as the country grapples with high unemployment and economic strain. This intensified loadshedding stage is expected to continue through the weekend and potentially into next week if the situation does not improve. Here’s everything you need to know about the updated schedule, affected areas, and what households and businesses can do to prepare.
What is Stage 6 Loadshedding and Why is It Implemented?
Stage 6 loadshedding involves the removal of up to 6,000MW from the national grid. This results in scheduled power cuts that could affect users up to 6 times a day, each lasting about 2 to 4 hours depending on your municipality or provider.
Key Reasons Behind Stage 6 Loadshedding:
- Breakdowns at key power stations like Kusile, Matla, and Duvha.
- Increased winter demand as temperatures drop.
- Delayed maintenance and unplanned outages.
- Fuel and coal supply constraints.
- Aging infrastructure and insufficient grid capacity.
Loadshedding Stage 6 – Complete National Power Cut Schedule
Eskom and various municipal service providers have released updated timetables to help households plan accordingly. Below is an example schedule for major regions under Stage 6:
| Time Slot | Areas Affected (Example) | Loadshedding Block |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00 – 02:30 | Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban | Block 5 |
| 02:00 – 04:30 | Pretoria, Polokwane, Gqeberha | Block 1 |
| 06:00 – 08:30 | Soweto, Bloemfontein, Kimberley | Block 3 |
| 10:00 – 12:30 | East London, Pietermaritzburg, Rustenburg | Block 2 |
| 14:00 – 16:30 | Mpumalanga, Vaal, George | Block 4 |
| 18:00 – 20:30 | Sandton, Stellenbosch, Richards Bay | Block 6 |
| 22:00 – 00:30 | Mthatha, Welkom, Ermelo | Block 7 |
How Stage 6 Loadshedding Affects South Africans
Stage 6 power cuts are not just an inconvenience—they have real social and economic consequences. The public is reporting significant disruptions in daily life, especially in areas already burdened with poor infrastructure.
Common Challenges Faced:
- Mobile networks and internet outages.
- Traffic light failures causing congestion and accidents.
- Water supply issues due to electric pumps not operating.
- Small business losses from refrigeration, security, and lighting outages.
- School disruptions, especially in rural and township areas.
Eskom’s Response and Future Outlook
According to Eskom, the current grid strain is being managed “as best as possible” under deteriorating conditions. A few units are expected to return by early next week, which could ease the pressure. However, further unplanned breakdowns may extend the Stage 6 period.
Eskom Spokesperson Statement:
“Our teams are working tirelessly to return units to service. We urge South Africans to reduce consumption during peak hours and use electricity sparingly.”
Tips to Prepare and Survive Stage 6 Loadshedding
Being prepared can make a big difference during harsh electricity cuts. Here are key tips:
Household Readiness:
- Charge devices in advance – Keep phones, power banks, and laptops charged.
- Invest in inverters or solar lights for essential items.
- Stock up on gas or alternative cooking solutions.
- Keep backup water for hygiene and drinking.
- Use thermal flasks to store hot water for tea or coffee.
Business Preparedness:
- Shift operations to non-loadshedding hours.
- Use generators or battery backups where possible.
- Secure refrigerated goods with dry ice or thermal covers.
- Update clients/customers about expected delays or adjustments.
Impact on Schools and Public Services
Many schools and public health centers are running on backup generators but continue to face challenges in service delivery.
Areas Most Affected:
- Schools in rural Limpopo and Eastern Cape lacking generators.
- Clinics and vaccination centers facing outages during crucial hours.
- Municipal water services being disrupted due to electric pump failures.
| Public Sector Impact | Example Consequences |
|---|---|
| Schools | Classes cancelled/postponed |
| Clinics | Cold chain disruption |
| Municipal Offices | Service delays |
| Public Transport | More road accidents, delays |
| Sanitation | Water delivery outages |
What Can You Do: Civic Involvement & Energy Saving
While individual efforts can help a bit, coordinated civic action is needed. Communities are encouraged to report outages that go beyond scheduled times and help elderly or vulnerable neighbors during cuts.
Simple Ways to Save Power:
- Turn off geysers during peak hours.
- Switch off unused lights and plugs.
- Limit use of high-power appliances (irons, microwaves, heaters).
- Use blankets instead of heaters to stay warm.
As South Africa faces another tough winter weekend with Stage 6 loadshedding, it’s more important than ever to stay alert, prepared, and united. While Eskom promises improvement in the days ahead, the immediate burden remains on households and businesses to cope. Stay updated via the EskomSePush app, local municipality alerts, and community WhatsApp groups for accurate schedule updates.
FAQs
Q1: What does Stage 6 loadshedding mean for households?
Stage 6 means households can face up to six power cuts a day, each lasting around 2.5 hours.
Q2: How long will Stage 6 loadshedding last?
Eskom has not confirmed an exact end date, but it could continue into next week if conditions don’t improve.
Q3: Which areas are most affected by Stage 6 loadshedding?
All areas under Eskom or municipal supply are impacted—some more frequently based on block rotation.
Q4: Where can I find my area’s exact schedule?
You can check the EskomSePush mobile app or your local municipal website for your area’s block and time slot.
Q5: What can I do to manage during loadshedding?
Charge devices in advance, use alternative lighting and cooking methods, and limit power usage during non-loadshedding hours.
