‘What do we do with so much electricity?’ — Reactions to reduced load-shedding

20 March 2023 - 08:27
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Eskom scrapped load-shedding over the weekend. File photo.
Eskom scrapped load-shedding over the weekend. File photo.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu

South Africans have reacted to reduced power cuts over the weekend, with some drawing links to the EFF’s national shutdown on Monday.

Load-shedding was suspended over the weekend but returned for only a few hours on Monday.

"Due to the significantly lower than anticipated demand for electricity today, load-shedding will be suspended at 11:00 today until 16:00 on Tuesday March 21, when Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented," the power utility said on Monday.

The reduced power cuts come as the EFF stages national shutdown protests calling for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load-shedding, among other issues. 

The EFF warned businesses countrywide to close their doors or risk looting. Taxis and flights are not expected to be interrupted.

Police made arrests in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on the eve of the shutdown and cleared roads of bricks and rubble. It is unclear if the disruption was in relation to the shutdown protests on Monday.

There have been reports of burning tyres in Durban and a SABC news crew came under attack in Cape Town.

Many took to social media to celebrate the short break from load-shedding, with some questioning its timing.

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