Stage 6 Loadshedding Hits South Africa in Mid‑August 2025 – Eskom Confirms Weekend Blackout Slots for All Regions!

Stage 6 Loadshedding – As South Africans brace for another round of intensified electricity disruptions, Eskom has officially confirmed that Stage 6 loadshedding will return in mid-August 2025. The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on the country’s power grid due to aging infrastructure, ongoing maintenance issues, and limited energy generation capacity. With weekend blackout slots confirmed for all major regions, citizens are urged to prepare in advance and take measures to mitigate the impact. Stage 6 loadshedding means Eskom will need to cut up to 6,000 MW of electricity from the national grid, leading to several power outages per day for most residential and business users. Eskom stated that the revised weekend schedule will affect every province, with blackouts possibly extending into weekdays if demand continues to exceed supply. This stage of power cuts also increases the frequency and duration of each outage, placing a heavier burden on households, small businesses, and essential services. The power utility emphasized that the implementation of Stage 6 loadshedding is necessary to prevent a total collapse of the grid. They also stated that load reduction is being carried out strategically to protect critical infrastructure and maintain some stability. With uncertainty around when loadshedding might be downgraded, citizens are encouraged to follow Eskom’s updates closely and make use of regional schedules. Now, let’s break down the essential updates, province-wide schedules, impacts, and what every South African should know.

Stage 6 Loadshedding – What It Means for You

Stage 6 involves more frequent and extended outages, typically 6 to 8 hours per day depending on region and demand.

• Power cuts could occur up to 3 times per day in most areas.
• Loadshedding will continue across weekends and may extend to weekdays.
• Each outage session may last between 2 to 4 hours.
• Impact expected on water pumping stations, mobile networks, and healthcare facilities.
• Schools, businesses, and clinics may face multiple daily interruptions.
• Generators and alternative power solutions are being recommended.
• Eskom has urged large industrial users to reduce non-essential consumption.

Provincial Blackout Slots: Mid-August 2025 Schedule

Eskom has issued detailed schedules for each province, highlighting weekend slots for August 16–18 and August 23–25.

Impact on Small Businesses and Public Life

Small enterprises and day-to-day life are among the hardest hit by extended Stage 6 outages.

Daily Struggles Faced by Small Businesses

Even brief outages can have a devastating impact on operational hours, customer satisfaction, and income.

• Cafes and small eateries lose hours of productive business each day.
• Shops face spoilage of perishable goods due to failed refrigeration.
• Internet blackouts reduce remote work and payment system uptime.
• Security alarms and CCTV often stop working during outages.
• Increased fuel costs for running generators.

How to Prepare: Citizen Action Plan

With the new weekend loadshedding slots, residents should take proactive steps to manage the crisis.

Key Preparation Tips for Households

Eskom urges households to act responsibly by following a consistent routine and saving energy.

• Charge all devices, power banks, and backup lights in advance.
• Keep frozen water bottles in freezers to preserve food during cuts.
• Use gas stoves and candles safely – avoid fire hazards.
• Unplug sensitive electronics before each power cut.
• Keep a battery-powered radio or emergency phone charged.

Emergency Services and Healthcare Response

Hospitals and emergency responders remain operational, but services may be delayed.

Measures by Health and Emergency Departments

Healthcare departments have implemented the following precautions to handle outages:

Departmental Contacts for Loadshedding Help

In case of emergencies, faults, or schedule queries, contact these official Eskom and provincial support lines.

Eskom’s Statement and Future Outlook

The current loadshedding is expected to last through the rest of August and may extend into early September. Eskom says that while they are working on accelerating maintenance and bringing new generating units online, the supply remains constrained. Citizens are advised to keep monitoring schedules through the EskomSePush app or the official Eskom website.

South Africa’s long-term energy recovery plan still hinges on renewable integration and independent power producers. But for now, energy users must endure planned outages with preparation and resilience.

FAQs of Stage 6 Loadshedding

1. What is Stage 6 loadshedding?
Stage 6 loadshedding is when up to 6,000 MW of electricity is removed from the grid, causing multiple daily blackouts per area.

2. How long will each power cut last?
Typically, each session lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the region and demand.

3. Where can I check my area’s schedule?
Visit Eskom’s official site or use the EskomSePush mobile app for real-time updates.

4. Will water supply be affected?
Yes, in some areas water pumping stations may also go offline during loadshedding.

5. Is there government compensation for affected businesses?
Currently, there’s no official compensation scheme, but some municipalities offer relief plans for essential services.