Gauteng power outages: Eskom load shedding schedule and affected areas

Gauteng braces for rolling blackouts

As electricity demand continues to test South Africa’s grid, Eskom has confirmed a week-long schedule of load shedding across Gauteng. Residents and businesses are being urged to prepare for timed power outages that could last anywhere from four to five hours, depending on location.

The utility operates on a seven-day rotational schedule, meaning different areas will experience outages at varying times throughout the week.

Morning outages: 5am to 9am

Households in several northern and western suburbs will feel the pinch early in the day. Areas such as Protea North, Nooitgedacht, Mapetla, Protea South, Ivory Park extensions, Rabie Ridge, Duduza, and Nhlapo are expected to experience disruptions between 5am and 9am.

Additional morning load reduction will impact Rietvallei Outlying, Dobsonville extensions, Emdeni, Jabulani, Zola, and Katlehong, leaving residents scrambling to adjust their routines.

Evening outages: 5pm to 10pm

For those returning home from work, evening load reductions will hit several southern and eastern parts of Gauteng. Areas such as Mokoena, Zuma, Kudube, Klipsruit, Diepsloot, Magagula Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods should expect interruptions between 5pm and 10pm.

Other affected regions include Orange Farm extensions, Meadowlands zones, Evarton, Tsakane, Rethabiseng, Sebokeng, and Khutsong, leaving communities to plan for dinner, homework, and household chores without electricity.

Additional hotspots this week

Eskom also flagged power cuts in areas including Havanna, Cuba, Jetta, Graceland, Odinburg Gardens, Chiawelo, Vereeniging Sharpeville, Mavimbela, Jabavu, Hillsview-East, and Cosmo City. The outages are part of a nationwide effort to stabilize the grid and prevent uncontrolled blackouts.

Residents on social media have already expressed frustration. One Gauteng Facebook user wrote, “Another week of load shedding… how are we supposed to cook dinner or work from home?” while another warned businesses to check backup systems.

Tips for coping during scheduled outages

Eskom advises households and businesses to:

• Charge devices in advance and limit non-essential electricity use.

• Use alternative lighting such as candles or solar lamps.

• Schedule water heating and cooking outside of expected blackout hours.

• Check local municipal updates for real-time adjustments to the load shedding schedule.

A fragile grid under pressure

Experts note that Gauteng’s growing population and urban demand are stretching electricity infrastructure to its limits. Scheduled load reductions are intended to protect the system from unplanned blackouts, but they underscore the urgency for long-term investment in energy generation and distribution.

As the week unfolds, residents are reminded to plan ahead, stay informed, and remain patient while Eskom works to stabilize the grid.

{Source: The Citizen}

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