South Africa’s load-shedding, often referred to as rolling blackouts, returned in January 2025 after a 10-month hiatus, disrupting households, businesses, and public services. Triggered by breakdowns at Eskom’s aging coal plants, including Lethabo and Matimba, Stage 3 load-shedding has revived concerns about energy reliability. This article explores the causes of load-shedding, its expected impacts in 2025, and practical steps to stay prepared, drawing on updates from Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), effective as of September 2025.
Why Load-Shedding Persists in 2025
Eskom, which supplies over 90% of South Africa’s electricity, continues to face challenges with aging coal-fired power stations such as Medupi and Kusile, plagued by design flaws and maintenance delays (Reuters). In January 2025, six units at Lethabo and Matimba went offline, causing a 3,600MW shortfall and prompting Stage 3 load-shedding (EcoFlow). Coal supply issues at Kusile and problems with Koeberg’s Unit 2 further strained capacity. Despite a 261-day break from load-shedding in 2024, thanks to Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan (Eskom), experts warn that 2025 will see intermittent power cuts due to rising demand and infrastructure limitations (Reuters).
Historical mismanagement and corruption during the Zuma administration, alongside delays in renewable energy projects like the stalled Karpowership deal, have exacerbated the crisis. The DMRE projects that 1,000–2,000MW of renewable capacity may come online by late 2025, but import bottlenecks and skills shortages could delay progress (The Conversation).
Expected Impacts of Load-Shedding in 2025
Load-shedding will continue to disrupt South Africa’s economy and daily life in 2025. Key impacts include:
- Economic Losses: Load-shedding has cost South Africa R3–R5 trillion since 2009, contributing to the country’s junk status credit rating. In 2025, businesses face reduced productivity and higher backup generator costs (Daily Maverick).
- Job Losses: Mining, manufacturing, and small businesses are at risk of layoffs due to power disruptions (EcoFlow).
- Environmental Health Risks: Outages disrupt wastewater treatment and food refrigeration, raising contamination risks (Environmental Health Perspectives).
- Healthcare Challenges: Hospitals face delayed surgeries and vaccine storage issues, especially in rural areas (EcoFlow).
- Increased Crime: Darkened streets and disabled security systems during outages heighten safety risks (CNN).
The Washington Post reports that load-shedding could reduce GDP growth by 2% in 2025, with the South African Reserve Bank estimating daily losses of up to R899 million.
Eskom’s Plans and Future Outlook
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane called 2025 load-shedding a “painful reminder” but emphasized structural improvements, including a debt relief package and a projected profit in 2024 (Reuters). The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) introduced a Stage 16 load-shedding code in 2024 to streamline outages, and 1,600MW of wind and 1,000MW of solar power are expected by early 2025 (The Conversation). A 12.7% tariff hike in April 2025, below Eskom’s requested 36%, may limit funds for maintenance (Reuters).
Public frustration over rising electricity prices in 2026–2027 is visible on social media (SABCNews, X posts). While a total grid collapse is unlikely, intermittent Stage 2–3 load-shedding is expected through 2025 (EcoFlow).
How to Prepare for Load-Shedding
Monitor Load-Shedding Schedules
Check Eskom’s official website (eskom.co.za) or apps like EskomSePush for real-time load-shedding schedules to plan your day.
Invest in Backup Power
Consider portable power stations or solar inverters for households. Businesses can use diesel generators, though costs are high—the generator market is projected to grow 2% annually through 2025 (Environmental Health Perspectives).
Secure Essential Services
Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable foods. Ensure medical devices, like oxygen machines, have backup batteries (CNN).
Enhance Home Security
Install battery-powered alarms or solar lights to deter crime during outages. Report suspicious activity to the SAPS.
Stay Informed
Follow Eskom on X or check gov.za for updates. Avoid unverified sources promising outage-free solutions.
Toward a Stable Energy Future
While Eskom and DMRE aim to reduce load-shedding by 2026 through renewables and maintenance, 2025 will likely see periodic outages. By staying prepared and informed, South Africans can mitigate the impacts on their lives and livelihoods. For updates, visit Eskom or contact their helpline at 0860 037 566.