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Load shedding continues to be one of the biggest challenges South Africans face on a daily basis. While Eskom has made promises of stabilising the grid, the reality is that unexpected breakdowns, demand surges, and maintenance work still leave many suburbs in the dark. For August 27, 2025, Eskom has confirmed that Stage 4 load shedding will remain in effect, meaning most households and businesses will face up to four outages during the day. Staying prepared and informed about your area’s schedule is the only way to manage these disruptions effectively.
What Stage 4 Load Shedding Means
Stage 4 load shedding is one of the higher levels of planned power cuts implemented when demand far exceeds supply. At this stage, Eskom sheds around 4,000 megawatts from the grid, leading to multiple two-hour or four-hour outages depending on your municipal schedule. For residents, this means planning around electricity availability, ensuring devices are charged, and adjusting work or study routines to minimise disruptions.
Why Stage 4 Is Being Implemented
The implementation of Stage 4 on August 27, 2025, is largely due to unplanned breakdowns at several major power stations combined with scheduled maintenance. Winter months place extra pressure on the grid as heating demand increases, while aging infrastructure continues to struggle under the load. Eskom has stated that emergency reserves are being used carefully, but without sufficient generation capacity, higher stages of load shedding remain unavoidable.
How to Check Your Suburb’s Schedule
Each city and municipality across South Africa has its own load shedding schedule that aligns with Eskom’s instructions. To check whether your suburb is affected on August 27, you can visit the official Eskom website, use the EskomSePush app, or check your municipality’s official social media pages. Many local councils also publish PDF schedules that divide suburbs into blocks or groups, with clear times when power will be interrupted. It is important to confirm your area’s block number in advance to avoid confusion.
Suburbs Expected to Be Affected
Stage 4 load shedding affects every province, though not all suburbs are switched off at the same time. Metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein are all scheduled for multiple outages throughout the day. Smaller towns and rural communities are also included in the rotation. While the exact suburb list is subject to changes depending on grid conditions, the majority of households should prepare for up to four outages spread across the day.
Preparing for Stage 4 Outages
For many households, the inconvenience of load shedding can be reduced through preparation. Having backup lighting such as rechargeable lamps or solar-powered lights is essential. Keeping mobile devices and laptops fully charged before scheduled outages helps to stay connected. If possible, investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or small inverter can keep Wi-Fi and essential electronics running. Businesses should ensure that point-of-sale systems are backed up and that alternative arrangements for refrigeration or production are in place.
Impact on Businesses and Daily Life
Stage 4 does not just affect homes; it has a significant impact on the economy. Small businesses that cannot afford backup generators lose working hours, while restaurants and retailers face food storage challenges. For students and professionals working from home, productivity drops when power cuts align with study or meeting times. Public transport systems and traffic lights in metropolitan areas are also heavily disrupted, leading to longer commutes and increased road accidents.
How Communities Are Coping
Over time, many South Africans have developed strategies to deal with frequent outages. Community WhatsApp groups share updated schedules and safety tips, while neighbourhoods often pool resources like generators or solar installations. Schools are adjusting timetables to ensure learning continues, and many businesses are shifting towards renewable energy to cut reliance on the unstable grid. The sense of resilience in communities highlights how citizens are adapting, even as frustrations with Eskom grow.
Tips to Stay Ahead of Load Shedding
To avoid being caught off guard, it is important to monitor real-time updates from Eskom and your municipality. Using apps that provide push notifications can alert you immediately when your stage or timeslot changes. Keeping non-perishable food items, bottled water, and a power bank handy ensures that basic needs are covered. If you rely on medical equipment, make sure you have a backup plan or notify your local municipality in advance for emergency support.
Looking Ahead
While Stage 4 load shedding is disruptive, it is also a reminder of the importance of South Africa’s transition to more reliable and sustainable energy sources. Eskom has indicated that long-term solutions such as renewable energy projects, private sector participation, and infrastructure upgrades are underway. However, these changes will take time to deliver results. In the meantime, staying informed and prepared remains the best way to cope with rolling blackouts.
Conclusion
Stage 4 load shedding on August 27, 2025, will affect households and businesses across South Africa. With multiple outages expected throughout the day, planning ahead is essential to reduce inconvenience. By checking your suburb’s schedule, preparing backup solutions, and staying updated with official announcements, you can manage the disruptions more effectively. While the challenges of load shedding remain a daily struggle, resilience and preparation continue to help South Africans adapt.