Eskom schedules nine-hour outage for Jabulani, Soweto on 15 October

Eskom will cut electricity to Jabulani in Soweto on Thursday, 15 October, in a planned interruption that will leave customers without supply for nine hours while maintenance is carried out on distribution lines.

When and who is affected

The outage is scheduled to run from 09:00 to 18:00 on 15 October. Customers in Jabulani are the ones listed as affected in Eskom’s October 2026 customer notice from the utility’s Gauteng Cluster.

Why the interruption is happening

Eskom said the work is necessary to perform essential maintenance on its distribution network. The utility warned the planned maintenance may not go ahead as announced if circumstances beyond its control arise.

How residents and businesses should prepare

Because the outage covers most of the working day, Eskom advised residents to prepare in advance. Recommended steps include:

• Charge phones, laptops and power banks the night before.
• Fill flasks with hot water for the day.
• Plan meals that do not require electricity.
• Keep fridges and freezers closed to help food stay cold for longer.
• Small businesses, salons and spaza shops may want to arrange backup power or adjust operating hours for the day.

Safety guidance during the outage

Eskom emphasised safety: customers should treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the outage because power could be restored at any moment once maintenance ends. The utility advised residents to switch off and unplug appliances such as televisions, computers, microwaves and fridges to protect them from power surges when the supply returns.

The notice also warned residents not to tamper with electrical infrastructure while Eskom teams are working, saying interference could put workers and residents at risk.

Contacting Eskom

Customers can reach Eskom through several channels:

• Download the MyEskom Customer app to log and track queries.
• Send a WhatsApp message to 0860 037 566.
• Use the USSD code *120*37566#.
• Bill enquiries are available online at csonline.Eskom.co.za from Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
• Supply-related enquiries can be logged with Eskom’s Contact Centre, available 24 hours on 08600 37566.

Residents who still have no electricity after 18:00 on Thursday were asked to report it through these channels so Eskom can check for any separate faults. The utility thanked customers for their cooperation and apologised for any inconvenience.