Best Loadshedding Survival Gear for Joburg Homes Under R500 (2025)

Affordable essentials to keep the lights on, food warm, and your sanity intact

Let’s be honest – when Eskom flips the switch, Joburgers don’t flinch anymore. Loadshedding has become such a regular guest in our homes that we may as well give it its own set of house keys. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through every blackout in darkness and frustration.

You don’t need to break the bank to stay lit, warm, and wired when the power goes off. Whether you’re a student in Braam, a family in Fourways, or just trying to stretch your budget in Soweto, there are smart, low-cost ways to survive and even thrive during power outages. Here’s your Joburg-friendly, wallet-wise survival kit – all under R500.

Also read: How to Slash Your Joburg Electricity Bill This Winter (Without Actually Freezing)

Let There Be (Affordable) Light

Rechargeable LED Lights
These are the MVPs of budget lighting. For under R200, you can get a solid emergency LED light that charges when the power’s on and kicks in when it’s off. They’re safer than candles, more reliable than battery torches, and last much longer.

Battery-Powered Bulbs
A nifty trick for renters or shared households – simply swap out your normal bulb with one that has a built-in battery. When the power cuts, it stays on. Most sell for under R100.

Torches & Headlamps
Perfect for moving around safely or finding your slippers in the dark. Bonus: headlamps keep your hands free while you’re pouring wine or prepping instant noodles.

Candles (But Safely)
Yes, they’re old-school, but when used with care, candles add ambience and emergency backup lighting. Just don’t make them your first line of defence – and never leave them unattended.

Stay Connected

Power Banks
An uncharged phone is a modern nightmare. For R200–R300, you can get a decent power bank to keep your phone, tablet, or MiFi device alive through a few hours of darkness. Keep it topped up, especially before evening slots.

Mini UPS for Routers
If you work from home or rely on Wi-Fi, a mini UPS (uninterrupted power supply) for your router could be worth the splurge. They’re pushing the R500 limit, but specials and second-hand buys can get you across the finish line.

Cook, Don’t Panic

Portable Gas Stove
Electric stoves are no friend during loadshedding. A small gas stove or Primus stove (typically R250–R500) will help you boil water, cook meals, and keep that tea flowing. Just make sure you’ve got the right canisters – and keep them safely stored.

Gas Lamps & Lanterns
Not just for light – these can double as small heating sources when it’s cold. They’re a nostalgic throwback and useful in a pinch.

Matches & Lighters
Simple but crucial. If you’re relying on gas or candles, don’t forget the flame.

Image 1: iStock

The “Just in Case” Kit

Basic First Aid Kit
Because stubbing your toe in the dark or slicing a finger while prepping a snack is more common than you think. You don’t need a full paramedic kit – just plasters, antiseptic, and basic meds will do.

Water & Food
Always keep a stash of bottled water and non-perishables like canned beans, instant noodles, or peanut butter. Bonus tip: Freeze water bottles and use them in a cooler box to keep perishables cold.

Cleaning Supplies
Loadshedding doesn’t pause life. Handy Andy, garbage bags, and wet wipes help keep things tidy without electricity.

Sanity Savers

Board Games or Playing Cards
When Netflix stops mid-episode and TikTok starts buffering, it’s game night. A good old-fashioned card game or round of 30 Seconds can turn frustration into fun – or at least kill time.

Entertainment Tip: Many Joburgers are now creating “loadshedding kits” that live in a basket near the front door – packed with lights, chargers, matches, and games, ready to grab the moment the power dips.

Joburg-Smart Tips

• Charge ahead: Top up your power banks, torches, and devices before the outage.

• Know your schedule: Use apps like EskomSePush to stay ahead of blackouts.

• Layer up: If it’s winter, keep extra blankets nearby. No power = no heater.

• Safety first: Never leave gas stoves or candles unattended. If you’re using extension cables with your UPS or charging gear, avoid overloading them.

• Be creative: Some Joburgers are even turning load shedding into a reset – family time, digital detox, or candle-lit dinners that don’t cost a cent extra.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, load shedding isn’t going away – but neither is your ability to live smart, stay prepared, and even enjoy the occasional power cut (yes, really). With just R500 or less, you can kit out your Joburg home with essential gear that makes blackouts less of a disaster and more of a mild inconvenience.

So light those torches, charge those banks, and embrace your inner survivalist. You’ve got this, Mzansi.

Also read: How Schools and Clinics Are Coping with Load Shedding in Gauteng (2025)

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Featured Image: Society Insurance