Dark weekend ahead as Eskom pushes load shedding to stage 4
Eskom says load shedding is being pushed up to stage 4 from 11am until midnight.
The utility says it's being forced to go this route due to the unprotected wage strike by some of its workers.
This means it needs to take precautionary action to conserve emergency generation reserves.
Eskom's spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the power cuts will continue over the weekend from 5am until midnight.
"It is necessary to bolster emergency generation reserves to react to unforeseen circumstances, as well as to replenish emergency reserves to prepare for the week ahead."
READ: Eskom: Durban still exempt from load shedding
"This would help fill the generation deficit while dealing with generating units that may trip amidst the disturbances and compensate for the inability to return generating units timeously to service."
He says they are trying to bring an end to the work stoppage.
Union Numsa is demanding an across-the-board 15% pay hike.
"Eskom is exploring possible solutions to unlock the deadlock with the unions and it appeals to its labour partners and striking employees to embrace the higher purpose of putting the people of South Africa first, respect the law and to desist from illegal and undemocratic conduct."
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