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Here’s Which Gauteng Areas Will Experience Power Cuts This Week: 5 – 11 Jan

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2 days ago

January 5, 2026

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Gauteng Braces for Load Shedding This Week, Here’s When and Where

As South Africans kick off 2026, many residents in Gauteng will need to brace themselves for power interruptions. Eskom’s latest load reduction schedule indicates that several areas across the province will experience planned electricity cuts during peak hours, affecting homes, businesses, and public services.

Morning Blackouts: 5am to 9am

Residents in areas including Klippan, Mapetla, Duduza, Naledi, and Protea North should prepare for disruptions in the early hours. Additional locations affected in the morning slot include Odinburg Gardens, Nguni Section A, Chiawelo, Zola, and Rietvallei Outlying.

These morning cuts may catch many off guard, especially for early commuters, home-based workers, and businesses that rely on uninterrupted power to start the day. Local communities have already taken to social media to share advice, with residents in Zola reminding neighbours to charge devices in advance and keep water storage handy.

Evening Blackouts: 5pm to 10pm

The evening load reduction will hit areas including Stretford, Cuba, Riverside, Zonkizizwe, and Rethabiseng, along with Klipspruit, Eikenhof, Orlando East, Beverly Hills-East, and Nooitgedacht.

Evening outages are particularly challenging as they coincide with peak household activity cooking, entertainment, and work from home. Social media posts from affected neighborhoods have already highlighted how businesses are adjusting, with some extending generator use and shifting operational hours to mitigate losses.

How Load Shedding Rotates

Eskom operates its load reduction on a seven-day rotation, meaning different areas are affected on different days. This schedule is part of the utility’s ongoing effort to balance electricity supply and demand amid ongoing generation challenges.

The duration of outages ranges from 4 to 5 hours, depending on the area and time slot. While planned, Eskom warns that unexpected breakdowns or grid emergencies could extend these interruptions, making preparedness key.

Tips for Residents and Businesses

Charge essential devices, laptops, and phones in advance.
Store enough water for household use.
Keep alternative lighting, such as candles or battery-operated lamps, accessible.
Businesses relying on refrigeration or critical equipment should have backup power solutions ready.
Check the official Eskom website or downloadable load shedding schedule daily for updates.

Gauteng has borne the brunt of Eskom’s power supply challenges in recent years, with residents in high-density urban areas often facing multiple cuts per week. While many households have adapted with generators, solar solutions, or battery backups, lower-income communities remain highly vulnerable to the impact of load shedding.

This week’s schedule highlights the continuing energy supply challenges South Africa faces, reminding residents and businesses alike that planning and preparedness remain essential.

Eskom’s load shedding continues to shape daily life in Gauteng, affecting everything from small business operations to household routines. By staying informed and ready, residents can reduce the disruption caused by these necessary, though frustrating, electricity cuts.

Download: Load-reduction-schedule-GAUTENG-January-2026