South Africa will face Stage 6 load shedding this weekend, bringing longer and more frequent power cuts as Eskom manages critical generation shortages. Under Stage 6, the national grid is reduced by up to 6,000 MW, resulting in blackouts that can last six hours or longer in certain areas. These cuts may occur with minimal notice as power plant breakdowns and system pressure continue to affect electricity supply.
Areas and Towns That Will Be Impacted
The updated load shedding timetable is available on Eskom’s official website and on major news outlets. The majority of urban and peri-urban regions will experience rolling power cuts this weekend, including:
Johannesburg
Pretoria
Cape Town
Durban
Port Elizabeth
Bloemfontein
Smaller towns in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape
Rural and remote areas may experience fewer rotations, but all regions remain part of the Stage 6 schedule. Outages may vary depending on local grid load and municipal coordination.
Load Shedding Timing
Power outages will typically occur in 2 to 4-hour blocks but may extend based on grid stability. Under Stage 6, most households and businesses can expect between 8 to 10 hours of total downtime in a 24-hour cycle. Schedules rotate through the day, alternating between two- and three-hour power cut intervals depending on demand and supply.
Checking If Your Town Will Be Affected
To confirm whether your area is affected, use the following tools and resources:
Eskom’s Load Shedding Portal – Enter your suburb or municipality for a personalized schedule.
Mobile Apps – Apps like EskomSePush or City Power provide real-time load shedding updates.
News Outlets & Social Media – Monitor national and local news for sudden changes in schedule.
Local Municipality – Contact your area’s customer service for town-specific updates.
Preparation Tips
With Stage 6 conditions expected, South Africans are advised to prepare accordingly:
Keep phones and essential devices charged.
Use generators, inverters, or power banks when possible.
Ensure adequate water supply and basic provisions.
Limit energy consumption during peak hours (5pm–9pm).
Plan work and travel around your local load shedding schedule.
Summary of Schedule and Consequences
As of November 2025, South Africa remains under Stage 6 load shedding. Residents should anticipate severe power shortages and longer outages through the weekend. Eskom advises citizens to regularly check official updates to minimize disruption. Check official sources frequently to avoid unexpected outages and minimize inconvenience.
Summary Table: Stage 6 Load Shedding Overview
Aspect
Details
Load Shedding Stage
Stage 6
Power Reduction
Up to 6,000 MW
Typical Outage Duration
6–10 hours per day (in rotating blocks)
Main Affected Cities
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein
Verification
Check via Eskom website, apps, or local municipality
FAQs
Q1: What does Stage 6 load shedding mean?
A: It means Eskom is removing up to 6,000 MW from the grid, leading to widespread and extended power cuts across the country.
Q2: How long will the power be off?
A: Outages typically last between 2 and 4 hours per block, but could total 8–10 hours per day during Stage 6.
Q3: How can I check my schedule?
A: Visit Eskom’s official website or use mobile apps like EskomSePush to get your suburb’s load shedding times.
Q4: How can I prepare?
A: Keep electronics charged, stock up on essentials, and stay updated via Eskom and local municipality announcements.
Stage 6 load shedding remains one of the most challenging power management phases South Africa faces. Staying informed and prepared can help minimize the impact on homes and businesses.
