Tuesday blackout: Parts of Soweto to face a 14-hour power cut

Tuesday blackout: Parts of Soweto to face a 14-hour power cut

Just as Gauteng residents start to feel like the worst of power disruptions may be behind them, Eskom has confirmed a full-day electricity outage set to affect parts of Soweto on Tuesday.

Residents in Protea South are being warned to prepare for a 14-hour power interruption, scheduled from 09:00 to 23:00 on Tuesday, 3 February, as Eskom carries out planned maintenance on its distribution network.

While this outage is not load shedding, it will feel just as disruptive, especially for households and small businesses already stretched by years of unreliable electricity.

Why the power will be off all day

According to Eskom, the shutdown is necessary to allow technicians to safely work on infrastructure supplying the area. The utility says the maintenance forms part of its broader effort to stabilise and maintain electricity supply across Gauteng.

In a statement to residents, Eskom explained that ageing infrastructure and rising demand mean scheduled maintenance can no longer be postponed.

Technicians will be working directly on distribution lines and related equipment, tasks that simply can’t be done while the network is live.

By scheduling the work during daylight hours, Eskom says teams can complete the maintenance more efficiently and with fewer safety risks.

What areas are affected

The outage will specifically impact Protea South in Soweto. Eskom has not indicated whether surrounding areas will experience knock-on effects, but residents nearby are advised to stay alert just in case.

For many Soweto households, where electricity powers everything from home businesses to informal food stalls, a 14-hour outage is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a lost day of income.

Safety warnings residents shouldn’t ignore

Eskom has issued a clear safety warning ahead of the shutdown: treat all electrical points as live at all times.

The utility cautioned that power could be restored earlier than planned, without notice. Residents are advised to:

• Unplug sensitive electronics

• Switch off appliances at the wall

• Make alternative arrangements for work, schooling, and businesses

• Avoid any contact with exposed electrical infrastructure

This advice may sound familiar, but it’s especially important during maintenance-related outages, where power can return suddenly.

Community reaction: frustration mixed with resignation

On local community groups and social media, the reaction has been predictable. Some residents welcome planned maintenance if it prevents future breakdowns. Others question why such long outages are still necessary in 2026.

“There’s no good day for a 14-hour cut,” one Soweto resident posted online, “but at least tell us early so we can plan.”

That early notice is something Eskom has struggled with in the past, making this announcement, while unwelcome, slightly easier for residents to manage.

Eskom apologises, asks for cooperation

Eskom has acknowledged the disruption and apologised to affected customers, thanking residents for their cooperation during the outage.

Whether this maintenance will translate into fewer unexpected blackouts remains to be seen. For now, Protea South residents are being urged to plan ahead, charge devices early, and brace for a long day without power.

For many in Gauteng, it’s a familiar reminder: even when load shedding eases, the grid is still under strain.

{Source: The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com