Eskom announced, on Wednesday, that South Africa will be moved to Stage 4 loadshedding from 12:00.
Stage 4 loadshedding confirmed by Eskom
The power utility revealed that multiple breakdowns reported at a number of key power stations in the last 24 hours led to the decision to place the country at Stage 4 rotational power cuts.
“Due to further shortage of generation capacity, Eskom regrets to announce that Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 12:00 today (Wednesday) until 05:00 on Friday. Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Saturday,” the utility confirmed.
Eskom explained that problems were reported at Medupi, Kusile, Matla, Lethabo and Arnot power stations, forcing the power supplier to escalate emergency efforts.
“Some generating units have returned to service and we anticipate another two units to return to service during the day. In addition, Koeberg Unit 1 is expected to return to service today and begin ramping up to full output within 48 hours,” Eskom explained.
The announcement left South Africans immensely frustrated. Here are some of the reactions we picked out from social media:
Eskom is taking the piss. Stage 4!? Are they mad
— uMaka Mah 👵🏽 (@DBNGOGO) October 27, 2021
Stage 4??? When will we actually have electricity? https://t.co/8YW4LT16mF
— Ok Mma. (@Mmakgosidarling) October 27, 2021
People need to be fired. This is bullshit.
— uSive (@C_Veh_) October 27, 2021
Stage 4??? During exams even? https://t.co/mqzEnzWwVB
How did we jump from Stage 2 to Stage 4, What happen to stage 3?
— Dr Ghost ®️ (@James_StPat999) October 27, 2021
Eskom wtf 🤬 pic.twitter.com/gEc2hMTR1M