Eskom Stage 6 Power Cut – As August 2025 begins, South Africans are bracing themselves for another wave of intense power cuts as Eskom officially enters Stage 6 load shedding. But what has sent shockwaves across communities is the recent leak of Eskom’s internal Stage 6 Power Cut Roster, revealing exact 10-hour blackout schedules and specific areas affected. For millions already struggling with rising costs and energy uncertainty, this leaked information is both a blessing and a curse—it gives clarity but also confirms the worst fears. Stage 6 load shedding means up to 10 hours of electricity cuts per day for many households and businesses. This poses not just a daily inconvenience but a potential disaster for small enterprises, students, healthcare services, and vulnerable communities relying on a stable power supply. The leaked schedule—shared widely on social media—has now become the go-to resource for residents trying to plan their lives amidst rolling blackouts. What’s particularly alarming is how widespread the impact will be, affecting both urban metros and smaller rural towns. From Johannesburg and Cape Town to remote areas in Limpopo and Northern Cape, the Eskom load shedding schedule for August is both detailed and relentless. With schools, clinics, and public transport systems facing daily disruption, the pressure on both government and Eskom to respond transparently is growing louder. This article will break down the leaked Stage 6 load shedding schedule, the most affected regions, the official Eskom response, and what citizens can do to cope with the worst blackouts of 2025. We’ll also share area-wise tables, departmental contacts, and FAQs to keep you fully informed.
What Does Stage 6 Load Shedding Mean in August 2025?
Stage 6 load shedding implies that Eskom will remove approximately 6,000 MW of demand from the national grid, forcing multiple blocks of planned outages across South Africa. This stage was last implemented during a severe winter crisis in 2023, but August 2025 appears even more critical.
- Up to 10 hours of power cuts per day per region
- 3 to 4 load shedding slots every 24 hours
- Power outages expected during peak usage hours (5 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 10 PM)
- Hospitals, schools, and small businesses face critical interruptions
- Diesel generators and battery systems now essential for essential services
Leaked Daily Load Shedding Schedule for Major Cities
The table below outlines the leaked Stage 6 power cut schedule for key metropolitan regions across the country. These are approximate times based on the Eskom document leaked on August 2, 2025.
| City | Morning Slot | Midday Slot | Evening Slot | Total Outage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 05:00–07:30 | 11:00–13:30 | 17:00–21:00 | 9.5 Hours |
| Cape Town | 06:00–08:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 18:00–22:00 | 10 Hours |
| Durban | 05:30–08:00 | 13:00–15:00 | 19:00–22:30 | 9 Hours |
| Pretoria | 04:00–06:30 | 10:00–12:00 | 17:00–21:00 | 8.5 Hours |
| Bloemfontein | 05:00–07:30 | 11:30–14:00 | 18:00–21:30 | 9.5 Hours |
| Polokwane | 06:00–08:00 | 12:30–15:30 | 20:00–22:30 | 9 Hours |
| Gqeberha | 04:30–07:00 | 11:00–13:00 | 18:30–22:00 | 9 Hours |
| East London | 05:00–07:00 | 10:30–13:30 | 17:30–21:00 | 9 Hours |
Most Affected Provinces in August 2025
The impact of Stage 6 is not uniform across the country. Some provinces will face harsher outages than others due to local infrastructure, municipal coordination, and demand levels.
- Gauteng: Densely populated with major demand zones like Sandton and Soweto affected heavily
- Western Cape: Severe outages expected in rural zones like George and Ceres
- Eastern Cape: Underprepared municipalities with limited backup
- KwaZulu-Natal: Load shedding worsens flood-hit zones
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Critical outages predicted due to mining activity load
How to Prepare Your Household or Business
Every household and business needs a plan during Stage 6. Proactive measures will reduce the stress and risk involved.
- Keep a printed copy of your local schedule
- Use backup power systems: inverters, solar, or generators
- Charge all essential electronics outside scheduled blackout times
- Prepare meals in advance and store in coolers
- Install surge protectors to avoid damage from sudden power returns
- Have emergency lights and a backup internet solution (data dongle)
Eskom’s Official Response to the Leak
In a press briefing on August 3, 2025, Eskom neither confirmed nor denied the validity of the leaked schedule but admitted they are operating under Stage 6 parameters. They cautioned against “unverified documents” and urged South Africans to use the EskomSePush app and their municipal websites for updates.
Eskom spokesperson Sikho Mahlangu stated:
“Due to ongoing constraints, load shedding at Stage 6 may continue beyond August. However, we’re reviewing power station performance daily.”
Still, millions have already noticed that the leaked data closely matches their real-time outages.
Government’s Emergency Plan and Crisis Management
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, along with Disaster Management Centres, has activated a multi-sectoral crisis response.
- R200 million allocated for diesel procurement to support hospitals and water treatment plants
- Mobile solar units deployed to rural clinics and schools
- National Disaster Management hotline launched for real-time complaint logging
- Municipalities ordered to prioritize vulnerable communities in schedule adjustments
Official Contact Numbers for Load Shedding Information
| Department / Utility | Contact Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 0860 037 566 | 24/7 |
| City Power Johannesburg | 011 490 7000 | 08:00 – 20:00 |
| Cape Town Electricity Helpdesk | 0860 103 089 | Mon–Fri, 07:00 – 19:00 |
| eThekwini Municipality (Durban) | 080 131 3013 | 24/7 |
| Western Cape Disaster Mgmt Centre | 021 937 6300 | 24/7 |
| Gauteng Provincial Hotline | 0800 22 88 27 | Mon–Fri, 08:00 – 17:00 |
| EskomSePush App Support | Via App Only | Real-time Notifications |
| National Energy Crisis Desk | 0800 111 322 | 24/7 |
With power cuts now reaching a national emergency level, it’s clear that South Africans will need to brace themselves for a dark August—both literally and figuratively. Still, with access to accurate schedules, reliable updates, and official support channels, communities can better prepare and reduce the harshest impacts of Stage 6 load shedding.
FAQs of Eskom Stage 6 Power Cut
1. What is the duration of Stage 6 power cuts in a day?
Up to 10 hours split across three or four time slots.
2. Is the leaked schedule accurate?
Though unofficial, it aligns closely with real-time outages reported by users.
3. Will Stage 6 continue after August 2025?
Eskom suggests that continued Stage 6 load shedding is possible unless grid conditions improve.
4. Where can I get the updated schedule daily?
Check the EskomSePush app, your municipal electricity portal, or Eskom’s website.
5. Are hospitals and clinics exempt from load shedding?
Some are exempt, especially those with critical care units, but not all. Mobile generators are being deployed where possible.
How can residents prepare for Eskom's Stage 6 power cuts in August 2025?
By having alternative power sources and conserving energy.
