Load shedding might get worse in winter, Mzansi fears

After Eskom implemented load shedding Stage 2 on short notice, many South Africans are fearing for the worst with winter looming.

Load shedding returns once again. Image: istock

South Africans are anticipating a dark and cold winter after Eskom announced load shedding at short notice on Wednesday. The power utility faced the loss of five generation units before the peak period.

“While we have made notable progress in our generation recovery efforts, Eskom faced the loss of five generation units before the peak period. Consequently, Stage 2 loadshedding was implemented at 18:25 and will remain in effect until 5:00 tomorrow,” Eskom said in a statement.

‘It’s going to be a dark winter’ Mzansi anticipates more load shedding

“We continue to prioritising planned maintenance to strengthen system reliability ahead of the winter months, while ensuring adherence to environmental and licensing conditions.”

Although load shedding was suspended on Thursday morning, many South Africans are concerned about the future with winter approaching.

After 300 hours without rolling blackouts, it seemed that Eskom had finally overcome its challenges. Load shedding was first implemented in February after a 10-month hiatus, and at one point, Stage 6 was enforced for a few days.

@katli_mathule wrote: “Winter is approaching, and Eskom keeps load shedding us. It’s going to be very dark winter.”

@Henko310018 wrote: “You did not get the price hike no you bring back loadshedding. Every single time.”

“Eskom can sit and 18:30 and decide to implement load shedding at 19:00 and no one has a say…. Like you sneak up on us unprepared and hit us with power cuts…. Is that right really??” tweeted @mzwaMGZ.

“I can’t believe that we’re about to have load shedding again this winter. Last year, we didn’t have this cause we were voting, tjo,” tweeted “@XolieMahlangu.