South Africans are once again preparing to navigate power cuts as Eskom has officially released the province-by-province load shedding schedule for May 2025. With winter approaching, the demand for electricity is climbing, and the national grid is under renewed pressure.
Citizens across the country are urged to stay informed as rotational blackouts continue to be a reality of daily life.
What the New Schedule Means for You
The newly released load shedding schedule gives a clearer picture of when and where power outages will take place in each province throughout May. Eskom stated that the updated timetables aim to provide better predictability to homes, schools, and businesses trying to plan around power disruptions.
In a public notice, Eskom confirmed that the system remains vulnerable, and unplanned breakdowns continue to contribute to the need for scheduled cuts. However, the utility also noted that by providing more detailed regional schedules, communities will be better prepared for the impact.
Load Shedding Breakdown by Province
The May 2025 schedule highlights expected outages in all nine provinces, with varying durations depending on regional infrastructure and demand.
- Gauteng: Expect Stage 2 and 3 outages throughout the month, particularly in the mornings (6 AM–10 AM) and evenings (4 PM–8 PM). Metro areas like Johannesburg and Tshwane are likely to see more consistent cuts due to higher energy use.
- Western Cape: Cape Town, thanks to its supplementary energy agreements, may escape some of the harsher outages, especially during lower stages. However, surrounding towns are set for Stage 2 to Stage 4 schedules, depending on the week.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban and surrounding regions are listed under a Stage 3 pattern for most of May. Coastal areas are seeing slightly less pressure due to wind-generated supply, but inland towns may face heavier cuts.
- Eastern Cape: Load shedding is scheduled in both urban and rural zones, with Stage 3 outages anticipated during cold fronts.
- Free State: Smaller towns like Welkom and Bethlehem are on Stage 4 most days, with Eskom citing aging infrastructure as a contributing factor.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: These provinces are facing more aggressive load shedding (Stage 3–4), especially in areas dependent on older substation equipment.
- Northern Cape: With a lower population density, Northern Cape will experience lighter cuts — mostly Stage 2. However, remote regions could see unscheduled outages due to maintenance issues.
- North West: Rustenburg and Mahikeng are on a mixed Stage 2 to Stage 4 schedule, shifting depending on breakdowns and regional demand.
Eskom Urges Cooperation
Eskom has once again appealed to residents to conserve energy where possible. Simple acts — such as switching off non-essential appliances during peak hours, using gas for cooking, and avoiding the use of heavy electrical equipment — can collectively ease pressure on the national grid.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said, “We understand the frustrations that come with continued load shedding, especially as winter sets in. But by working together and planning ahead, we can make the situation more manageable.”
Where to Get Updates
Citizens are encouraged to keep a close eye on their local municipality pages and the official Eskom Se Push app, which delivers real-time load shedding notifications based on location. Regular updates are also posted on Eskom’s website and social media platforms in case of emergency changes due to unplanned breakdowns.
Impact on Daily Life
Load shedding continues to affect schooling, business operations, and even health services. While some institutions have adopted generators and backup systems, many smaller businesses and households still struggle to cope. With exams approaching and winter illnesses on the rise, the timing could not be more inconvenient for many families.
Nonetheless, having access to the province-by-province schedule gives people the ability to prepare — charge devices, cook meals early, and adjust schedules to avoid interruptions where possible.
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In Summary
The May 2025 load shedding schedule offers a clearer picture for South Africans to prepare themselves for power outages. While Eskom is taking steps to keep the public informed, the power crisis remains a persistent issue. By planning ahead and staying updated with real-time alerts, communities can reduce the disruptions in their daily lives.
