Load Shedding Gadgets Johannesburg Homes Rely On in 2025

In Johannesburg, Load Shedding Has Become a Lifestyle – But So Have the Gadgets That Beat It

By now, most Joburgers can predict Stage 4 before Eskom does. While no scheduled load shedding is planned for most of Johannesburg in June 2025, some suburbs experience rotational outages lasting up to 8 hours as part of Eskom’s strategy to stabilise the grid. Power cuts remain a persistent challenge, expected to continue into early 2026 due to delayed grid upgrades and high demand.

Because the situation can change with little notice, it’s smart to stay prepared. South Africans aren’t just waiting in the dark – we’re adapting and winning with smart, practical tools that keep us working, cooking, and scrolling through it all.

From Glenhazel to Greenside, here are the five gadgets Johannesburg homes are relying on to outsmart power cuts and stay one step ahead.

Also read: Why Load Shedding Makes Us So Tired: The Mental Health Toll in 2025

1. Mini UPS Systems – Your WiFi’s Best Friend

When the power cuts, a mini Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) kicks in instantly to keep your router, fibre box, and even your laptop running. These backup batteries are compact, silent, and rechargeable, making them perfect for work-from-home warriors and families relying on streaming or smart home setups.

“Our UPS kicks in so fast, we barely notice the lights are off – until the neighbours complain,” said one Parkhurst resident on X (formerly Twitter).

Popular brands: Mecer, Gizzu
Where to buy: Takealot, Builders, GeeWiz
2025 price range: R600 – R3,000

2. Solar LED Lights That Just Work

Solar-powered LED lights have gone from campsite gadgets to Joburg household essentials. Charged by the sun and activated automatically when it’s dark, these lights are perfect for load shedding — no wires, no bills, no stress.

From stick-on wall panels to full-on solar floodlights, they’re lighting up homes, garages, and even complex driveways during blackout hours.

TikTok has exploded with DIY solar hacks for homes, with users showing off their “blackout glow-ups.”

Where to find: Leroy Merlin, Makro, online solar stores
2025 price range: R100 – R500

3. Power Banks That Actually Last

A phone without battery during load shedding is basically a paperweight. That’s why 20,000mAh+ power banks have become staples in handbags, school bags, and bedside drawers across Johannesburg.

They can charge multiple devices simultaneously and some even include LED torches or solar trickle charging.

“We’ve got one per person in the house. You don’t want to fight over a charger in Stage 6,” joked a Rosebank dad.

Best for: Phones, tablets, small speakers, LED lamps
Where to buy: Takealot, Checkers Tech, Incredible Connection
2025 price range: R350 – R900

Image 1: Reddit

4. Inverter Systems That Silence the Chaos

Silent, clean, and increasingly affordable, mini inverter kits paired with solar or battery storage are changing the game for Joburg homes in 2025. These systems power essentials like WiFi, fridges, laptops, and even TVs during outages — without the noise or fumes of a generator.

Retailers have reported a rise in plug-and-play models for urban homes and townhouses, offering a quieter, more sustainable backup plan.

According to MyBroadband, inverter sales surged again this winter as more South Africans ditch generators for hybrid setups.

Popular brands: EcoFlow, RCT, Gizzu
Where to buy: Makro, SolarAdvice, Builders
2025 price range: R4,000 – R20,000+

Bonus: These solar-hybrid inverters also reduce your carbon footprint, making them a greener choice for load-shedding backup.

5. Portable Gas Stoves – Still the Load Shedding Hero

A warm meal makes any blackout bearable – and portable gas cookers have become a kitchen must-have. These compact units work with small gas canisters and are ideal for everything from tea and toast to hearty stews when the stove is offline.

With built-in safety mechanisms and widely available refills, they’re an easy, affordable way to keep cooking even when the plugs don’t work. Just remember to use gas stoves in well-ventilated areas and never leave them unattended.

Builders and Takealot reported a spike in gas stove sales during the first quarter of 2025, especially during Stage 6 stretches.

Where to buy: Takealot, Outdoor Warehouse, Builders
2025 price range: R300 – R800

More Than Gadgets – It’s a Mindset Shift

These aren’t just clever tools – they represent a bigger story. Joburgers have stopped waiting for the load shedding to end. Instead, we’re powering through, sharing hacks, reviewing gear in WhatsApp groups, and supporting one another with practical advice.

Whether it’s a colleague sharing their inverter setup or a neighbour lending you a gas canister, there’s a quiet kind of solidarity in how we survive the blackouts together.

And honestly? That’s more powerful than electricity.

Load shedding may still be part of the 2025 daily grind in Johannesburg, especially in some suburbs facing rotational outages, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. These five gadgets – a good UPS, solar lighting, a solid power bank, a compact inverter, and a gas stove – aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re modern-day essentials.

Because in Joburg, we don’t wait for the lights to come back. We figure out how to stay switched on anyway.

Also read: Powerless Parenting in Joburg: Surviving Load Reduction with Kids in 2025

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Featured Image: Pexels